Why Do People Use Traditional Healers in Mental Health Care in Zimbabwe?

Abstract

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, including in Zimbabwe, 80% of the population continues to use African Traditional Medicine (ATM) as a source of primary health care that includes the treatment of mental illnesses, but little is known about what motivates their health seeking behaviour. The study aimed at understanding why patients use ATM treatment of mental disorders. Methods: Using exploratory qualitative methods in a semi-urban community near Harare, we conducted 30 indepth interviews with patients from ATM sites using convenience sampling, and three focus-group discussions with 18 participants from the community recruited from three food distribution depots in the settlement. Data were coded and analysed using the constant comparative method to identify key themes. Results: We found that patients preferred the use of ATM for witchcraft, religious, psychological and psychosocial conditions and believed the causes of their sickness stemmed from witchcraft. Many patients reported high levels of confidence and satisfaction with the ATM received. Conclusion: The findings suggest that supernatural and psychosocial factors play a major role in health seeking behaviour of the communities. Therefore, ATM is a relevant point of referral and rehabilitation for mental health patients and ATM should be integrated with BM.