Abstract

BackgroundIt is believed by western education systems that the first contact should be with the nurse in primary health care. However, it is not the case. Therefore, the researcher attempts to correct this misconception by conceptualising the correct beginning of health seeking behaviour in an indigenous African community, namely African Primal Health Care (APHC). ‘Primal’ was coined during a colloquium by Dr Mbulawa and Seboka team members; however no formal conceptualisation took place, only operational definition. Due to the study scope, conceptualisation is narrowed to mental health, but this concept is applicable in the broader health context. The research purpose was to contribute to the body of indigenous knowledge systems to advocate towards co-existence of primal health care and mental health care.AimFormulate APHC within a mental health care context.ObjectivesTo explore philosophical grounding of APHC and describe epistemology of APHC. To analyse and crystallise the exploration to establish understanding within mental health and conceptualise APHC within mental health care to enhance co-existence.MethodologyNarrative synthesis, concept analysis (qualitative design). Lekgotla was used as a method of data collection and data were analysed using Leedy and Ormrod’s five steps of data analysis.ResultsAPHC is a health care system that existed in Africa prior to the introduction of the western health care system. It is based on the African belief system and practices. The practices come from the community, for the community and are authenticated by the community. APHC uses a holistic approach and the family and community are involved in the healing process.

Highlights

  • Mental health disorders affect more than 25% of all human beings at some point in their life (WHO [World Health Organization] 2001, cited in Wang et al 2007)

  • It is estimated that 450 million people worldwide have at least one mental disorder, and 20% of all patients examined at primary health care services are diagnosed with one or more mental health disorders (McBain et al 2012:444)

  • It is clear that there is a greater number of indigenous health practitioners than western-trained practitioners and that the burden on the primary health care system could be alleviated if primal health care is understood and can formally co-exist with primary health care

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Summary

Introduction

Mental health disorders affect more than 25% of all human beings at some point in their life (WHO [World Health Organization] 2001, cited in Wang et al 2007). Less progress in response to mental, neurological as well as substance misuse disorders is observable, especially in the poorest countries and regardless of the reportedly large treatment gap identified (Eaton et al 2011:1592). It is believed by western education systems that the first contact should be with the nurse in primary health care. This research seeks to conceptualise the concept of African Primal Health Care (APHC) from a foundational, philosophical context

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