Reflections on the cultural adaptations and implementation challenges of mental health first aid in Uganda: A case study.

Abstract

Untreated mental illness as a result of trauma is a significant health concern leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Individuals in post-conflict countries, like Uganda, are at risk for poor mental health outcomes because of trauma as a result of decades of violent conflict coupled with a lack of access to quality psychological care. Community-based psychological service delivery programs, like Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), have been found to be effective in helping individuals with mental and emotional problems access care. However, little is known about the cultural adaptations needed and implementation considerations of these kinds of community programs for under-resourced nations. This case study describes key considerations for the implementation of the MHFA curriculum in various regions throughout the country of Uganda. Specifically, this case study gathered observations while implementing MHFA and highlights challenges, such as cultural adaptability and country infrastructure, that must be addressed when attempting to implement Western mental health curricula in non-Western nations, like Uganda. Recommendations for the use of psychological service delivery programs in developing countries are presented. If incorporated, these recommendations will serve to increase access to mental health services in the regions of the world that need them most. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).