BackgroundMental health disorders (MHD) are leading causes of disabilities. Awareness of MHD in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is crucial to both health care professionals and general community if those affected by MHD are to be allowed to live in dignity and be socially included, rather than being treated as outcasts or witches, as is presently the case. Therefore, this review aims to map and summarise the extent to which awareness of MHD and dementia in SSA challenges stigmatisation issues.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO). A content analysis of selected studies was performed. Findings on awareness challenges and stigmatisation were identified and categorised.ResultsA total of 230 publications were screened, 25 were selected for this review. The results demonstrate strong supernatural beliefs influencing peoples’ perceptions of diseases. These perceptions promote stigmatising attitudes towards people with MHD and dementia. The education level correlated with stigmatising attitudes, whereby higher educated people were less likely to distance themselves socially from people with MHD and from people living with dementia (PwD). Astonishingly, even people educated in health issues (eg, nurses, medical practitioners) tended to have strong beliefs in supernatural causations of diseases, like witchcraft, and hold negative attitudes towards MHD and PwD.ConclusionsThis review provides some evidence on the influence of traditional beliefs on MHDs in SSA. Those beliefs are powerful and exist in all segments in SSA-communities, promoting superstitious perceptions on diseases and stigmatisation. Awareness and education campaigns on MHD are absolutely mandatory to reduce stigmatisation.

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The survey focuses on identifying dementia awareness challenges among Ghanaian school students. Data were generated in a cross-sectional survey (n = 1137). 9.3% of school students showed dementia awareness whilst the community respondents, representing both higher age and level of education, showed greater awareness (32.2%, P < .001). 45% of respondents believed in witchcraft and 57% were afraid of potentially being harmed by witchcraft. Age and education did not influence people’s belief in witchcraft. Moreover, dementia symptoms were often mistaken for witchcraft, especially by those who had encountered a person accused of witchcraft: “swearing at others” (24%), displaying “memory loss” and “confused speech” (22%), “forgetfulness” and who was seen “roaming around” (19%). Lack of dementia awareness was particularly evident among school students whereas belief in witchcraft was similar in both respondent groups. There was a correlation between low dementia awareness rates and misinterpretation of dementia symptoms with attribution to witchcraft.

Background At Alice Salomon University in Berlin, the project «Healthcare Professionals - Bachelor for Interprofessional Healthcare and Management» aims at developing a joint online, part-time study course for nursing staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists. Objectives Based on innovative learning modules, the study course aims at improving inter-professional cooperation in healthcare, thus enhancing the quality of care for patients. Questions Do executives and professionals see a need for action with regard to interprofessional healthcare? How can employers support part-time students attending the study course alongside employment? Which requirements should the study course meet in terms of contents and structure to balance studies and employment? Methods Quantitative online survey among executives and professionals using questionnaires. A descriptive approach was employed to evaluate the quantitative data statistically. Results The executives› survey confirmed a definite need for enhanced skills acquired through higher education and revealed a strong wish for more interprofessional cooperation than what is commonly practiced in healthcare today. Innovative study formats and cooperation on the part of the employers are necessary to balance work and studies. Discussion The challenge now is conceptualizing a study course that promotes the online development of interprofessional and scientific skills, imparts future-oriented and practice-relevant contents and is flexible to accommodate the needs of employed, part-time students.

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