Nigerian cultural beliefs about mental health conditions and traditional healing: a qualitative study

Purpose: Cultural beliefs and traditions are integral to understanding indigenous mental health conditions (MHCs) and traditional healing. However, Nigerian cultural beliefs about MHCs and traditional healing are under-researched. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a qualitative design using a critical realist and social constructionist perspectives to explore Nigerian mental health care practitioners (MHCPs) and lay participants (LPs) views regarding mental health conditions and traditional healing. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed to select 53 participants (MHCPs = 26; LPs = 27; male = 32; female = 21) in four Nigerian cities (Ado-Ekiti, Enugu, Jos and Zaria). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed through thematic analyses. Findings: The datasets revealed three overarching themes, namely: (i) existing cultural beliefs about MHCs as spiritual curse; (ii) description of traditional healing as the first treatment modality for MHCs; and (iii) perceived stigma associated with MHCs and help-seeking behaviours. Originality/Practical implications: A study of Nigerian cultural beliefs and traditional healing contribute meaningfully to mental health systems. Future research and policy initiatives could explore ways of optimising traditional healing practices and community awareness programmes to increase access to mental health care in Nigeria.