MENTAL ILLNESS IN SOUTH AFRICA

“Community Attitudes Towards and Knowledge of Mental Illness in S.A.” Soc Psychiatry Epidemiol (2003) 38: 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

AIDS ca_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. ( 29.html) 29.html 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 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