Page 58 - JCBP-2-1

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

effective interventions. In other words, it is advisable to Funding
advocate the health belief model.
None.
To promote effective interventions and to better address
the needs of individuals with PTSD in Ghana, it is crucial Conflict of interest
to infuse cultural sensitivity into mental health practices. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Mental health professionals working in this context should
consider the spiritual and herbal dimensions of healing and Author contributions
explore ways to integrate these approaches with evidence-
based treatments. Collaborating with traditional healers Conceptualization: Sandra Thompson-Assan
and incorporating traditional practices can help bridge the Investigation: Sandra Thompson-Assan
gap between Western medical models and local cultural Methodology: Sandra Thompson-Assan
beliefs. Formal analysis: Sandra Thompson-Assan
Writing – original draft: Sandra Thompson-Assan
Several limitations of this study should be acknowledged. Writing – review & editing: Derrick Kakraba Kaitoo, Gloria
The sample size was relatively small, and the findings may Ayebea Aguadze
not be generalizable to the entire Ghanaian population. In
addition, the study focused on one specific region of Ghana, Ethics approval and consent to participate
limiting the understanding of regional variations in beliefs
and responses to PTSD. Future research should aim for Ethical clearance form was submitted to the Research
larger and more diverse samples to gain a comprehensive Ethics Committee (Human) (RECH) at Nelson Mandela
understanding of cultural perspectives on PTSD across University. Ethical approval (H18-HEA-PSY-011) was
different regions and populations in Ghana. obtained before the commencement of the data collection.
Both written and verbal permission was obtained from
5. Conclusion each of the subjects before participation in the study.

This study highlights the crucial significance of considering Consent for publication
cultural factors when addressing PTSD in the Ghanaian
context. We found that spiritual causes are commonly blamed Both written and verbal permission was obtained from
for traumatic experiences, and individuals often interpret each of the subjects to publish their data, and effort has
PTSD symptoms through a spiritual lens. Our findings been made by the authors to conceal any identifying
also revealed that spiritual and herbal approaches are the information of the participants that appear in the paper.
preferred responses to PTSD, emphasizing the importance of Availability of data
integrating cultural beliefs into mental health practices.
The audio recorded, or transcribed data collected can be
Overall, this study underscores the need for culturally
sensitive interventions in the management of PTSD. The obtained from the corresponding author following formal
request.
interventions can be tailored by incorporating cultural
perspectives into mental health practices to meet the References
specific needs of the Ghanaian population, with the aim of
improving patient outcomes and enhancing overall well- 1. Koenen KC, Ratanatharathorn A, Ng L, et al., 2017,
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of comprehensive care and support, there is a need for https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291717000708
advocating the integration of culturally sensitive practices 2. Frieze IH, Newhill CE, Fusco R, et al., 2020, Survivor
that are practiced across the world, not only in Ghana but coping: Theories and research about reactions to all types of
also in other indigenous and aboriginal areas, into mental victimization. In: Dynamics of Family and Intimate Partner
illness treatments. Violence. Berlin: Springer. p.63–107.

Acknowledgments 3. Aborisade RA, 2022, COVID-19 and gender-based violence:
investigating the “Shadow Pandemic” of sexual violence
The authors express their heartfelt gratitude for the during crisis Lockdown in Nigeria. Int J offender Ther Comp
invaluable contributions made by Dr. Ernest Darkwah from Criminol.
the Psychology Department at the University of Ghana, 4. American Psychological Association (APA), 2013,
Legon. His expertise and inputs have greatly enhanced the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
abstract and introduction of this manuscript. 5 ed. (DSM-5). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric
th

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2024) 6 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcbp.1260