Abstract
BackgroundThe Republic of Liberia recently experienced several events that resulted in wide-ranging societal impacts, including long-term civil war and an outbreak of Ebola. These types of events are linked to higher prevalence of mental disorders and psychosocial distress. As a result, it is likely that there is an increased prevalence of mental health disorders in the population.AimTo assess and review the recent mental health literature in order to provide insight into existing mental health needs and effective or recommended interventions in post-conflict Liberia.SettingArticles included in this study enrolled Liberians living in Liberia.MethodsA search of four databases was conducted for studies of any type that assessed mental health in Liberia between 01 January 2003 and 27 March 2019. After reviewing 363 articles, 21 articles were included in the final analysis. Articles were coded to identify common themes and needs.ResultsThe majority of studies used qualitative designs and were conducted in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia. Common topics included adolescent mental health, intervention and assessment and post-conflict impacts. One article focused on mental health impacts after recovery from Ebola.ConclusionOverall, there is a dearth of mental health literature that focuses on Liberia. This suggests ample opportunity for researchers to investigate mental health needs amongst the Liberian population and effective psychiatric interventions. Existing recommendations often focus on addressing adolescent health needs, including substance use practices. Opportunities for future research particularly related to needs of adult populations and to mental health impacts of Ebola, abound.
Highlights
The Republic of Liberia, located on the coast of West Africa, recently endured several significant events that resulted in wide-ranging societal impacts
As war and life-threatening events are linked to higher prevalence of mental disorders and psychosocial distress[2,6,7], it is likely that there is an increased prevalence of mental health disorders in the Liberian population stemming from these conflicts
Much of Liberia’s health infrastructure, including mental health services, was severely impacted in past conflict, and significant challenges to meet these mental health needs remain to this day[8]
Summary
The Republic of Liberia, located on the coast of West Africa, recently endured several significant events that resulted in wide-ranging societal impacts. years after the Liberian civil war, the subsequent Ebola epidemic resulted in over 000 deaths across West Africa[5], culminating in extreme suffering, emotional distress and economic collapse.[6] Disasters, such as civil wars and public health events, often divert resources away from mental healthcare to address immediate needs and disaster relief. The Republic of Liberia recently experienced several events that resulted in wide-ranging societal impacts, including long-term civil war and an outbreak of Ebola. These types of events are linked to higher prevalence of mental disorders and psychosocial distress. It is likely that there is an increased prevalence of mental health disorders in the population
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