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Explanatory models of psychosis among community health workers in South India
Author(s) -
Joel D.,
Sathyaseelan M.,
Jayakaran R.,
Vijayakumar C.,
Muthurathnam S.,
Jacob K. S.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2003.01327.x
Subject(s) - indigenous , explanatory model , psychosis , poverty , mental health , psychiatry , medicine , disease , stigma (botany) , psychology , clinical psychology , ecology , philosophy , epistemology , pathology , economics , biology , economic growth
Objective: To examine commonly held indigenous beliefs about mental illness, which often differ markedly from the biomedical models, among community health workers in rural South India. Method: Indigenous beliefs about chronic psychosis were elicited from community health workers. The Short Explanatory Model Interview formed the basis of the interview. Results: A variety of indigenous beliefs, which contradicted the biomedical model, were elicited. A significant proportion of health workers did not recognize chronic psychosis as a disease condition, believing that it was caused by black magic, evil spirits and poverty, and felt that doctors could not help. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that training programmes should elicit and discuss local beliefs prior to the teaching of the biomedical model of mental disorders.