Abstract:
Maternal Mental Health (MMH) disorders are a public health concern causing adverse effects to mothers and children. Healthcare access by vulnerable populations like those with MMH problems is challenging in low resource settings like Uganda. There is a dearth of information on access to healthcare and lived experiences of victims in Uganda hence the need for this study. A qualitative study, with in-depth interviews among women ever cared for MMH problems (n=7); their family care givers (n=11) and mental healthcare worker (key informants) (n=4) to obtain narratives about lived experiences and needs for health care. Data was analysed by thematic analysis. Findings show women with MMH never identifying their need to seek healthcare, they don’t understand anything at the time of illness. Family caregivers, solely determined where to take them for care. Usually, care is first sought from witch doctors, church for prayers before formal hospital-care because of myths and beliefs regarding causes. Due to persistent and worsening symptoms, some patients are finally taken to healthcare settings. Challenges related to access were; lack of money to purchase medications, medicines complications, lack of insight about the cause and management of MMH problems among patients, and caretakers. There is need to increase MMH awareness in communities to improve diagnostic coverage and lived experiences of patients and caregivers.
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Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on 9th Annual Neuroscience Conference (ANC-23) August 12-13, 2023 , Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023