Public health professionals’ perceptions of mental health services in Equatorial Guinea, Central-West Africa

Abstract

IntroductionMental health disorders constitute 13% of global disease burden, the impacts of which are disproportionality felt in sub-Saharan Africa. Equatorial Guinea, located in Central-West Africa, has the highest per-capita investment in healthcare on the African continent, but only two studies have discussed mental health issues in the country and none of have examined the perspective of professionals working in the field. The purpose of this study was to gain a preliminary understanding of Equatoguinean health care professionals' perspectives on the mental health care system.MethodsNine adult participants (directors or program managers) were interviewed in July 2013 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea from government agencies, aid organizations, hospitals, and pharmacies. Interviews were designed to collect broad information about the mental healthcare system in Equatorial Guinea including the professionals' perspectives and access to resources. This research was reviewed and approved by an ethical oversight committee.ResultsAll individuals interviewed indicated that the mental health system does not currently meet the needs of the community. Professionals cited infrastructural capacity, stigmatization, and a lack of other resources (training programs, knowledgeable staff, medications, data) as key factors that limit the effectiveness of mental healthcare.ConclusionThis study provides a preliminary understanding of the existing mental health care needs in the country, highlighting opportunities for enhanced healthcare services.

The experience of being a psychiatric nurse in South Africa: A qualitative systematic review

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“…Indeed, most African countries have no mental health policies, programmes or action plans against the stigma of mental illness, or for improving human resources and providing specialised training, whatsoever (Okasha, 2002). Previous studies (Cohen et al, 2016;Okasha, 2002;Reuter et al, 2016) have highlighted specific barriers to mental health development programmes in Africa, such as both a lack of awareness of the extent of the problem as well as a reliable information system, insufficient resources, both economic and human, the lack of national mental health policies, a shortage of specialized staff, the presence of civil unrest and violence and, occasionally, supernatural attributions for mental disorders. Additionally, the shortage of mental health programmes and the necessity to make the pertinent fiscal, staffing, and structural changes to these services can result in inferior levels of care (WHO, 2008;.…”

“…In addition, throughout Africa, the access to specific medication for treating psychiatric disorders is extremely limited. Financial problems and a fear of stigmatization also act as barriers to accessing quality mental treatment (Reuter et al, 2016;WHO, 2013).…”

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