title: The place of autochthonous disease aetiology in mental health-seeking behaviors in a globalizing Nigerian community.
abstract: This study aimed at ascertaining the connection between disease aetiology of the autochthonous psychiatric health system and the current mental health-seeking behaviors of the Nsukka people. Structured participant observation was the principal method of collecting data. In-depth interview sessions were also held with elders in the communities. It was found that although there has been social contact and change among the Nsukka, the personalistic elements in the aetiology of their traditional psychiatric system still largely determined their mental health-seeking behaviors. Thus, they were found to be more at home with traditional healers and syncretic churches than orthodox mental healthcare. To be successful, any mental healthcare program in Nsukka ought to consider how orthodox mental health practitioners, traditional healers, and those who run prayer houses could be incorporated in a comprehensive community mental healthcare program.
authors: University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
authors: Chidi
authors: C
authors: Ugwu
authors: Nkechi G
authors: NG
authors: Onyeneho
authors: Ngozi J
authors: NJ
authors: I'Aronu
mesh_terms: D054521:Cultural Competency; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D012922:Social Change