Original Research
Stigma reduction in a disability and mental health programme in Ghana: Lessons in participation
Submitted: 02 July 2024 | Published: 31 January 2025
About the author(s)
Maria Zuurmond, Tropical Health, London, United KingdomAugustina Naami, Tropical Health, London, United Kingdom; and Department of Social Work, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Lyla Adwan-Kamara, Options Consultancy Services Ltd, London, United Kingdom
Cathy Stephen, Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
Sapana Basnet, Sightsavers, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
Caroline Vanderick, Tropical Health, London, United Kingdom
Mohammed Chantimah, Ghana Education Service, Tamale, Ghana
Abigail Nana Asamoah, Department of Social Work, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Daisy Macdonald, Tropical Health, London, United Kingdom
Crick Lund, Centre for Global Mental Health, Department of Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, United Kingdom; and Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Stigma is a barrier to inclusion for people with disabilities and mental health conditions. There is increasing recognition of the need to address stigma within disability inclusive programmes, but limited research is available on what are effective participatory approaches to stigma reduction interventions.
Objectives: (1) To document participatory approaches used in the design and delivery of disability stigma reduction interventions in a disability and mental health programme in Ghana and (2) to understand the experience of programme implementers and participants in these processes, with particular attention to the leadership and involvement of people with disabilities.
Method: A mixed-methods study was conducted. The data were drawn from a purposive sample of 20 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with programme staff, partners and key stakeholders, and 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) with self-help group (SHG) members, organisation of people with disabilities (OPD) members, and disability champions. We conducted thematic analysis using deductive and inductive approaches.
Results: The programme adopted several approaches to participation at design and implementation stages, with a focus on the leadership of people with disabilities and people with mental health conditions. The process was seen to promote acceptability of stigma reduction approaches. Providing opportunities for building and strengthening relationships with a wide range of stakeholders was key to successful implementation. Understanding, and engaging with, power dynamics in the local context also provided important benefits.
Conclusions: Participation of people with disabilities and mental health conditions is essential for the design and delivery of stigma reduction programmes in Ghana.
Contribution: This study provided lessons from the field on the value of participation in reducing stigma, and the role of key stakeholders, particularly people with disabilities and mental health conditions.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
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