TITLE:
Assessing Barriers to Mental Healthcare Interventions for Deaf People in Ghana
AUTHORS:
Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah, Juventus Duorinaah, Lyla Adwan-Kamara, Rebecca Tawiah
KEYWORDS:
Access, Barriers, Deaf People, Mental Health, Caregivers, Civil Society Organizations
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.12 No.1,
January
11,
2024
ABSTRACT: While mental health issues are increasingly gaining attention in Ghana, little is known about the situation among deaf people. This study assessed the mental health care needs of deaf people in Ghana. A descriptive design, consisting of interviews and focus group discussions, was used to collect data from 97 participants. Findings indicated that participants had limited knowledge on mental health issues. Mental health stigma, inaccessible mental health information and exclusion from mental health programmes were the major barriers hindering access to mental health care services. This study bridges the knowledge gap and provides evidence for the implementation of deaf-friendly services.