Abstract
ABSTRACTReligion is a powerful force in people’s conception of mental illness. The extent to which Muslim populations in Zimbabwe understand and conceptualise mental illness is largely unknown. Thus, a descriptive cross-sectional study aimed at determining knowledge and conceptualisations of mental illness among Muslims was conducted in Harare. Seventy-one participants drawn from three mosques in Harare responded to self-administered questionnaires, which assessed their knowledge on causes, signs and symptoms as well as the treatment of mental illness. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Respondents defined mental illness within the social, spiritual and medical realms. The main perceived causes of mental illness were evil spirits (66%) and stress (62%). Treatment methods included medication (68%), prayer (66%) and Quranic verse recitations (64%). Both modern medicine and religious methods emerged as important in managing mental illness which suggests the need for a multi-sectoral approach.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.