Page 54 - JCBP-2-1

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Re-examining PTSD: Insights from Ghanaian culture

trained health-care professionals could contribute to higher 2.3. Study population
rates of PTSD compared to developed countries [6-8] . Given In this study, we investigated two groups of individuals. The
this situation, cultural contexts are commonly adopted first group consists of individuals who have been clinically
in the etiological interpretations of mental illnesses, diagnosed with PTSD by a professional psychiatrist using
which also influence the subsequent treatment. However, the DSM-5 criteria and who were receiving treatments
Western medical models have established a dominant role (medication and psychotherapy sessions as well as traditional
in the etiological interpretations and treatments of mental means) at the Accra and Pantang Psychiatric Hospitals. The
illnesses, sometimes overshadowing other perspectives other group consists of culturally informed individuals in
within the mental health-care system of these countries . Ashaiman, Nima, and Afienya.
[9]
This is typified by the phenomenon that most mental
illnesses including PTSD are formally diagnosed and 2.4. Inclusion and exclusion criteria
treated by Western-trained experts in Africa, particularly The study included individuals diagnosed with PTSD who
Ghana, and the diagnosed patients are pharmacotherapy have been receiving Western treatment for 3 months and more.
and psychotherapy. Meanwhile, the health belief model This was to ensure that the participants, who had been treated
suggests that people’s beliefs and perceptions about health or was still under treatment, would not fall prey to secondary
and illness determine their health-seeking behaviors . traumatic distress during the interview. On the other hand, a
[10]
According to this model, people’s core beliefs often develop culturally informed individual was an individual aged 18 years
from their culture, traditions, and socialization, which may and above who lived in either one of the Ashaiman, Nima, and
influence their interpretations of illness and inform their Afienya communities for a decade or more.
health-seeking behaviors. While the Western approach to
treating mental illness is effective, the culturally derived 2.5. Sampling procedure
perceptions and modalities of treatment must not be The ideal sample size for a qualitative study ranges
neglected in treatment planning. from 5 to 25, taking into consideration data saturation
A Ghanaian study has found that herbospiritual beliefs (a methodological principle where based on the data
[15]
and interpretations have a strong influence on how the collected, further data collection is not necessary) . In
local population respond to health issues, including mental this study, 20 individuals diagnosed with PTSD and who
health problems . It is such beliefs that have led to the have been receiving treatment from the Accra and Pantang
[11]
thriving of herbal medicine practice in Ghana as well as Psychiatric Hospitals and eight culturally informed
the continuous growth of spiritual healers and soothsayers individuals were recruited in this study.
on the Ghanaian health scene [12,13] . Despite the increasing 2.6. Data collection procedure
media reports and research on the negative outcomes for
patients over the years, these practices still continue to Data were collected from respondents within a period of
grow . In this regard, more efforts should be invested to 6 weeks. With the help of the hospital staff, individuals who
[13]
investigate the perceived cause and symptoms of PTSD, met the criteria for PTSD group were interviewed using a
generate empirical evidence regarding how belief systems semi-structured interview guide. The culturally informed
shape PTSD interpretations and responses within the individuals were identified with the help of community
Ghanaian context, and devise effective interventions. gate keepers and using vignettes. Focus group discussions
were conducted to interview the recruited subjects. The
2. Materials and methods discussions were held for two groups, each consisting of

2.1. Study design four people. Responses were recorded for transcription
using an audio recorder.
The interpretivist paradigm is the philosophy that
undergirded this study. The qualitative research approach 2.7. Data collection instrument
and exploratory design were adopted to deepen our A semi-structured interview guide developed by the
understanding of PTSD symptoms and response methods researchers was used to probe participants’ experiences
from the participants’ perspectives . with PTSD to understand the participants’ precise
[14]
symptoms, their subjective interpretations of the events,
2.2. Study area
and their preferred treatments. The questions in the
This study was conducted in the Greater Accra region of interview guide are given in the following:
Ghana. Specifically, the study participants were recruited (i) What was your exact traumatic experience?
from Accra and Pantang Psychiatric Hospitals as well as (ii) What are the unusual behaviors you experienced after
Nima, Ashaiman, and Afienya communities. the incident?

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2024) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcbp.1260