Perceptions of traditional health practitoners on the possibility of collaboration with western trained mental health practitioners in treating mental illness

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of traditional health practitioners in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province on the possibility of collaboration between themselves and the Western-trained mental health practitioners in treating mental illness. The objectives were: a). to identify factors that can facilitate collaboration between traditional health practitioners and Western-trained mental health practitioners in treating mental illness; b). to establish traditional health practitioners’ perceived barriers towards collaboration with Western-trained practitioners. Furthermore, the study sought c). to determine the traditional health practitioners’ sentiments regarding the existing legislation and policies that recognise their system; and, d). to determine and document the perceptions of traditional health practitioners on the ideal governance structures that will manage sustainable collaboration and interdependency of the two systems. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and a descriptive phenomenological research design. Twelve participants (females = 3; males = 9) aged between 29 and 59 years were selected through purposive sampling and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed through thematic content analysis. The key themes that emerged from the data related to: a). participants’ views on the causes of mental illness; b). participants views on the diagnostic and treatment procedures for mental illness; c). perceived facilitators for collaboration between traditional healers and Western trained mental health practitioners; d). perceived barriers for collaboration between traditional healers and Western trained mental health practitioners; e). participants’ opinions regarding existing policies and legislation; and, f). participants’ views on how the envisaged collaboration could be managed and sustained. The study is concluded by, among others, recommending that the government proceed with the regulation of traditional health practitioners to ease the relationship between the two health systems