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01-06-2019 | Original Paper

Muslim Traditional Healers in Accra, Ghana: Beliefs About and Treatment of Mental Disorders

Authors: Lily N. A. Kpobi, Leslie Swartz

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 3/2019

Abstract

Traditional and faith healing is a common practice in many low- and middle-income countries due to resource limitations and belief systems, particularly for disorders such as mental disorders. We report on the beliefs about mental illness from the perspective of one category of alternative healers in Ghana—the Muslim faith healers. We also report on their methods of diagnoses and treatment for mental disorders. Results show that the healers’ beliefs about mental illness revolved around the notion of Jinn as causing most mental illness. Emerging themes are discussed with reference to their potential implications for patients’ care and health-seeking behaviour.

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Title: Muslim Traditional Healers in Accra, Ghana: Beliefs About and Treatment of Mental Disorders
Authors: Lily N. A. Kpobi
Leslie Swartz
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 3/2019
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0668-1

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Muslim Traditional Healers in Accra, Ghana: Beliefs About and Treatment of Mental Disorders

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