Cookies are used for analytics and marketing. Enable JavaScript to manage preferences, or see our Privacy Policy.

Abstracts Health Sciences

Add abstract

Want to add your dissertation abstract to this database? It only takes a minute!

Search abstract

Search for abstracts by subject, author or institution

Share this abstract

dissertation.com
on Facebook

Social and Cultural Considerations in Accessing Mental Health Treatment in The Gambia, West Africa.

by Safiya Njai

Institution:	Antioch University
Department:	Antioch Seattle: Counselor Education & Supervision
Degree:	PhD
Year:	2022
Keywords:	Cognitive Therapy; Counseling Education; Counseling Psychology; Psychotherapy; mental illness; mental health; The Gambia; Africa; mental illness stigma; social; cultural; poverty; multicultural counseling; social justice advocacy; traditional healing; dec
Posted:	3/25/2025
Record ID:	2278786
Full text PDF:	http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1671467818805059

Abstract

This study examines the social and cultural considerations in accessing mental health treatment in The Gambia, West Africa. Participants were recruited from The Gambia for a qualitative study that included semistructured interviews (N = 17). A team of analysts identified five themes. The results highlighted social and cultural conceptualizations of mental health and mental illness, sociocultural determinants of health, interventions, barriers to care, and the legal framework to support mental health change. These findings are important for counselors to understand different perceptions of mental health and mental illness and the associated stigma. Furthermore, several opportunities for advocacy in The Gambia have resulted from this study.