Perception of mental health in Pakistani nomads: An interpretative phenomenological analyses

Abstract

The study was conducted to explore the mental health issues of Pakistani nomads and to uncover their concept, ideation, and perception about mental health and illnesses. It was an exploratory study situated in the qualitative paradigm. The research strategy used was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), as the study was planned to explore the lived experiences of nomads regarding mental health and coping strategies and how they interpret those experiences. For data collection, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Seven participants were included in the FGDs, and two FGDs were conducted composed of both genders. The responses were recorded, and data were transcribed and analysed using IPA. Data verification procedures of peer review, which help to clarify researcher bias and rich thick description, were used. The major themes were lack of resources and myriad unfulfilled needs, specifically the basic needs (food, shelter, and drinking and bathing water). Moreover, a strong desire to fulfil the secondary needs of enjoyment and having luxuries was also reflected. A list of recommendations was forwarded for policy making of this marginalized community and to create awareness regarding mental health.

Beliefs and perception about mental health issues: a meta-synthesis

“…Normalizing and underestimating symptoms of mental issues were also revealed by Bignall et al47 and further discussed and described mental health issues in terms of trauma and stress. Similarly, other studies2,40,44 described mental health issues in the context of stress and poor coping.…”

“…While discussing the emotional aspects of mental issues and well-being, happiness was described as a concept related to “healthy” and “well-being”, whereas “mental health” referred to serious psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression 44. Dow5 identified shame and stigma as the reactions to social pressures whereas demands as a description and attribution of mental health issues.…”

“…Dow5 identified shame and stigma as the reactions to social pressures whereas demands as a description and attribution of mental health issues. Furthermore, studies15,44,45 revealed the emotional, behavioral, and physical aspects of mental health issues and described mental health problems in all three areas. In the emotional domain, fear, guilt, anger, helplessness, pain, anxiety, and sadness were the major discussed features of mental anomalies.…”

“…Most of the studies, when discussing causes of mental health issues, described psychological factors such as unhappiness, low self-esteem, rejection, overthinking, self-downing and blaming, anxiety and worry, and conflicts in familial and other interpersonal relationships 2,15,41,44,48. Socioeconomic factors of poverty, lack of earning opportunities, unfulfilled basic and secondary needs,44 racial and ethnic discrimination,49 and economic injustice were also believed to be important factors resulting in mental health problems 45.…”

“…Socioeconomic factors of poverty, lack of earning opportunities, unfulfilled basic and secondary needs,44 racial and ethnic discrimination,49 and economic injustice were also believed to be important factors resulting in mental health problems 45. Kolstad and Gjesvik46 explored the beliefs regarding causes of mental health and mostly revealed social factors including societal changes, adopting Western values, decrease in traditional values, and indigenous approaches of living a simple life.…”