Open AccessMental Health and Social Distancing During COVID-19 in African Settings
Author(s) -
Bives Mutume-N.Vivalya,
Okesina Akeem Ayodeji,
Hilaire Muhindo Mutuka,
Louis Kasereka Muyisa,
Martial Mumbere Vagheni,
Jean Kakule Muhonhya,
Madrine Nakuwaki,
Jean Bosco Kahindo Mbeva
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of medical research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2395-7565
DOI - 10.31254/jmr.2021.7101
Subject(s) - mental health , social distance , public health , psychological intervention , health care , preparedness , socioeconomic status , medicine , pandemic , covid-19 , psychology , psychiatry , nursing , environmental health , political science , population , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty) , pathology , law
Social distancing triggers mental health problems worldwide. Limited preparedness and response structures to public health emergencies are associated with an increased disruption of mental health care services either in health-facilities or in the community during COVID-19. The community-based approach should be combined with online psychological interventions, peer group therapy, and systematic medical screening of mental disorders in primary health care settings. The public health officers should promptly act to fit the gap of mental health burden care in Africa and to avoid the related health and socioeconomic problems.