A proposed future for the care, treatment and rehabilitation of mentally ill people in Fiji.
Admission to Fiji's sole psychiatric hospital St Giles attaches the stigma of mental illness to patients, which may impact on the course of their lives and on their social acceptability. We argue that alternatives to hospitalization are health promoting in that they avoid stigmatization and institutional dependency. Recommendations are proposed for the further development of a community-based mental health service, such that admission is avoided where possible and where services are provided in the least restrictive environment close to patient's family and community supports.
Roberts
Graham
G
Fiji School of Medicine, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji. g.roberts@fsm.ac.fj
Cruz
Myrielle
M
Puamau
Elenoa Seru
ES
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005367:Fiji; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011287:Prejudice; D011634:Public Health; D012938:Social Perception; D013315:Stress, Psychological