Health seeking behaviours among caregivers of patients with mental illness at hospital in Waterberg District, Limpopo Province

Abstract

Inadequate knowledge about mental illness seems to affect the health seeking behaviour of caregivers of people with mental illness. The aim of the study is to explore and describe the health seeking behaviours among caregivers of patients with mental illness. A qualitative approach with narrative research design was employed to interview caregivers at Polly clinic. The caregivers were purposefully sampled from the clinic register and key informants were identified based on the services they provide. Narrative research design was used for this study guiding the data collection from participants. The semi structured interview guide was used to collect data. Data was analysed using thematic analytic method. The study found that there is inadequate knowledge of mental illness among caregivers. They commonly utilize district hospitals instead of clinics as first point of contact. The health seeking behaviour of participants include modern, traditional, and spiritual care. It is recommended that the Department of Health should find strategies to increase knowledge regarding mental illness among community members. The caregivers must be psychoeducated about mental illness.