Mental health care services in rural South Africa: a human capabilities approach

Abstract

It is estimated that a significant proportion of people living in South Africa have a mental illness and do not have access to mental health services. This relates to barriers that contribute to help-seeking behavior. Semi-structured interviewers were conducted with a sample of 11 stakeholders and 35 parents. Data were thematically analyzed and results revealed that participants had limited knowledge of what mental health is. Also highlighted was the lack of structural and human mental health care resources, and stigmatization. Addressing the issues related to mental health care services could contribute to ensuring that people have access to good health.