Unmet needs of patients with Bipolar Disorders for psychosocial interventions at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a Qualitative study
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2018-12
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Introduction
The evidence base for psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorders has been largely
developed in a Western cultural context. Limited data are available about the unmet needs for
psychosocial care of people with bipolar disorders in low- and middle-income countries.
Objective
To explore unmet psychosocial needs of people with bipolar disorder and the acceptability of
potential intervention approaches.
Method
A qualitative research design was used. Participants were recruited from people with a clinical
diagnosis of bipolar disorder who are receiving out-patient follow up at Amanuel Mental
Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Purposive sampling was used based on educational
level and gender. Sampling was continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, Nine
interviews were done. In-depth interviews were audio recorded, transcribed in Amharic and
translated into English. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.
Results
The main findings of this study are participants anticipation of narrow biomedical care during
their treatment, with a particular focus on medication. It was also apparent that they expected
clinicians to tell them what to do, indicating a paternalistic clinician-patient interaction.
Nonetheless, the participants reported a number of psychosocial problems. But their repertoire of
support was narrow for fear of stigma. Some respondents also considered psychosocial stress to
2
be part of life‟s pattern. Participants were amenable to the idea of having a regular counseling for
psychosocial problems, but their priorities for „talking therapy‟ were around getting information
around their illness and, medication side-effects.
Conclusion
Unmet needs for information were apparent and could be readily addressed by implementing
expected good practice for mental health care. The acceptability of more focused psychosocial
interventions is less clear and compounded by low awareness of the potential benefits.
Description
Keywords
psychosocial