Help-seeking pathways followed by caregivers of mentally ill persons in Sinthumule-Kutama, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Mental illness is one of the major health challenges that significantly contribute to the global burden of diseases worldwide. Several studies reveal that mental illness often triggers or prompts people to embark on some help-seeking pathways in order to ameliorate their condition. These help-seeking pathways are often not linear routes, but rather recursive and complex. The aim of the study was to explore the pathways followed by caregivers of mentally ill persons seeking mental health care services in Sinthumule Kutama area. The objectives of the study were: a) to examine the experiences of caregivers in caring for persons suffering from mental illness; b) to explore pathways that caregivers often engage in when they are seeking treatment options for mentally ill patients before and/or after they have been diagnosed with their condition; and, c) to find out whether or not caregivers make use of other forms of management in addition to the formal treatment interventions that they may receive from the health care facilities. A qualitative approach was followed; and participants were selected through a snowball sampling method. The sample comprised twelve participants (female=11; Male=1) residing in and around the Sinthumule-Kutama District area, Limpopo Province. The participants’ ages ranged from 24 to 88 years. The data was collected using in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The following themes emerged from the study: a) the perceived causes of the mental illness; b) the pathways followed in the management of mental illness; and c) the use of alternative forms of management interventions. The findings of this study revealed that the participants hold different perceptions and beliefs about the probable causes of mental illness. Secondly, the study further revealed that the participants visited a number of alternative management agencies to seek treatment for their mentally ill family members. Thirdly, the pathways that were followed were influenced by several factors such as the perceived cause of the illness, religious or cultural beliefs, severity of symptoms and/or advice from general practitioners and school teachers. This clearly suggests that participants have made use of more than one service provider to seek help for their family members. The path either started with the formal setting, then moved to the informal setting and vice versa. For instance, as soon as individuals with mental illness are discharged from the hospital, the caregivers consulted with other alternative service providers mainly to enhance the treatment they have received for protection from evil forces. The results suggest that help-seeking behaviour and the pathways chosen in the management of mental illness are largely influenced by socio-cultural factors and beliefs about the causes of the disease.