Stressed,depressed, or bewitched? |
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| Authors: | Vikram Patel Jane Mutambirwa Sekai Nhiwatiwa |
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| Institution: | 1. Primary care in Harare , Zimbabwe;2. Beit Research Fellow at the Institute of Psychiatry , UK;3. Visiting Lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe Medical School;4. Medical Anthropology and Behavioural Sciences , University of Zimbabwe Medical School;5. Coordinator for the Health Systems Research Programme , University of Zimbabwe;6. University of Zimbabwe Medical School |
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| Abstract: | Mental illness is an important cause of disability in sub-Saharan African countries and is rarely covered in health-related development activity. This article examines the close relationship between mental illness, religion, and culture, referring to the authors' experiences in Zimbabwe as an example. They emphasise the importance of gaining a sympathetic understanding of the religious beliefs and social contexts of psycho-social distress states, rather than simply translating concepts and ideas developed in the societies of Europe and North America. |
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