A study of the role of socio-cultural factors in the treatment of mental illness in Nigeria

Abstract

The role of the family and traditional healers in the treatment of mental illness in Nigeria is discussed with reference to data collected in a study of patients in treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan and at the Aro Village Community Treatment Center, both of which are facilities of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan. In the discussions emphasis is put on the role of relatives in the care of the sick and the role of traditional and religious healers in the health care delivery system of Nigeria.