A qualitative study of healthcare professionals' perceptions of men and women's mental healthcare seeking in Rwanda.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore health care professionals (HCP') perceptions about mental-health-seeking behaviours in men and women and its social and gender implications in Rwanda. Six focus group discussions including 43 HCPs working at mental health facilities and district hospitals in Rwanda were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The emerging theme "Traditional gender role patterns and stigma are displayed in mental health care seeking, adherence to treatment and family effects" illustrated how HCPs perceived gender differences and outcomes in mental healthcare seeking. The theme was based on three categories: "Gender differences in health care seeking patterns," "Gender roles and stigma affect adherence to counselling and treatment," and "Gender roles exert an influence on family support" and related subcategories, with which each described various aspects contributing to the result. According to HCPs who regularly encountered people with mental health problems, neither men nor women with mental health problems could adequately benefit from the available mental health services because of the strong influence stigma and prevailing traditional gender roles had on men's and women's mental-healthcare-seeking behaviour. There is an urgent need for comprehensive societal interventions involving policy makers, HCPs, and the general population to diminish the stigma tied to mental illness and the traditional gender norms that negatively influence healthcare-seeking patterns; such actions can improve the health of many citizens.