Rapid community-based ethnographic assessment

In WP1, we will conduct a community-based ethnographic assessment using qualitative and participatory methods to explore local understanding of SMIs and help-seeking.

We will use a variety of methods including participatory mapping, free-listing and ranking exercises, walk-along interviews, observation, and individual and natural group interviews to explore understandings and experiences of mental illness, poverty, and daily life and the role of traditional and faith-based healing for SMIs, from the perspectives of people with lived experience of mental illness, caregivers, community members, healers, CHWs and health workers.

Our findings will be used to co-design, with people with lived experience, caregivers, CHWs and traditional healing practitioners, training packages for screening, early detection, and referral to mental health care for individuals (18+) suffering from SMIs. This will be used to develop a matrix of help-seeking pathways and barriers and enablers to mental health care.