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Becker TD, Ho-Foster AR, Poku OB, Marobela S, Mehta H, Cao DTX, Yang LS, Blank LI, Dipatane VI, Moeng LR, Molebatsi K, Eisenberg MM, Barg FK, Blank MB, Opondo PR, Yang LH. "It's When the Trees Blossom": Explanatory Beliefs, Stigma, and Mental Illness in the Context of HIV in Botswana. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:1566-1580. [PMID: 30739566 PMCID: PMC7577021 DOI: 10.1177/1049732319827523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Mental illness is a common comorbidity of HIV and complicates treatment. In Botswana, stigma impedes treatment of mental illness. We examined explanatory beliefs about mental illness, stigma, and interactions between HIV and mental illness among 42 adults, from HIV clinic and community settings, via thematic analysis of interviews. Respondents endorse witchcraft as a predominant causal belief, in addition to drug abuse and effects of HIV. Respondents describe mental illness as occurring "when the trees blossom," underscoring a conceptualization of it as seasonal, chronic, and often incurable and as worse than HIV. Consequently, people experiencing mental illness (PEMI) are stereotyped as dangerous, untrustworthy, and cognitively impaired and discriminated against in the workplace, relationships, and sexually, increasing vulnerability to HIV. Clinical services that address local beliefs and unique vulnerabilities of PEMI to HIV, integration with peer support and traditional healers, and rehabilitation may best address the syndemic by facilitating culturally consistent recovery-oriented care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ari R Ho-Foster
- 1 University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- 2 Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | | | - Lyla S Yang
- 5 Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Lilo I Blank
- 6 University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Vincent Ikageng Dipatane
- 7 Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
- 8 Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Letumile Rogers Moeng
- 7 Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
- 8 Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Frances K Barg
- 1 University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael B Blank
- 1 University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip Renison Opondo
- 1 University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- 9 University of Botswana School of Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Lawrence H Yang
- 5 Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
- 10 New York University, New York City, New York, USA
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