Traditional healing practices, factors influencing to access the practices and its complementary effect on mental health in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

In areas with limited and unaffordable biomedical mental health services, such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), traditional healers are an incredibly well-used source of mental healthcare. This systematic review synthesises the available evidence on traditional healing practices, factors to access it and its effectiveness in improving people's mental health in SSA.

Design

Systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach.

Data sources

PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Scopus studies published before 1 December 2022.

Eligibility criteria

Qualitative and quantitative studies reported traditional healing practices to treat mental health problems in SSA countries published in English before 1 December 2022.

SUBMITTER: Berhe KT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11429370 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature