INDIGO-LOCAL:
Pilot study to reduce stigma and improve access to care for people with mental health conditions in the community in Sierra Leone
Leads: Dr Nicole Votruba, Dr Maya Semrau
Aims: To conduct a pilot study developing, implementing and evaluating a community-based, multi-component, public awareness-raising intervention, designed to reduce stigma and discrimination and to increase referrals of people with mental health conditions for assessment and treatment.
Methods: A local mental health public knowledge and awareness campaign was developed and piloted in Sierra Leone. This work was informed by previous research in Nigeria. This pilot intervention included several key components: (1) a stakeholder group workshop; (2) a stepped training programme (using a ‘Training of Trainers’ approach) of community health workers (or similar cadres of workers) and service users that included repeated supervision and booster sessions; (3) community engagement activities; and (4) a media campaign. The main aim of the campaign was to reduce stigma in the community and increase uptake of mental health services by challenging public misconceptions around mental illness. Social contact and service user involvement were instrumental to all components.
Reference:
Eaton et al,. 2008: Developing mental health services in Nigeria: the impact of a community-based mental health awareness programme
Output:
This work formed the basis for the Indigo Local intervention within the Indigo Partnership