@article{discovery10138340, note = {Copyright {\copyright} 2020 Charlotte Hawkins, John M. Bwanika, Martin Ibanda. This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0).}, year = {2020}, volume = {26}, month = {July}, title = {Socio-economic factors associated with mental health disorders in Fort Portal, western Uganda}, journal = {South African Journal of Psychiatry}, publisher = {AOSIS}, keywords = {mental health; mental health services; stigma; economic stress; outreach; Uganda}, author = {Hawkins, C and Bwanika, JM and Ibanda, M}, abstract = {Background: Mental health disorders, which are interlinked with social issues such as poverty and stigma, present a significant burden in Uganda. / Aim: This article explores perceptions about and experiences of mental health disorders in western Uganda, particularly as they pertain to the socio-economic context. / Setting: The research was conducted in the mental health unit at the Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole District, Uganda. / Method: This article is based on qualitative anthropological research conducted from January to March 2017, including 49 semi-structured interviews about ideas and determinants of mental health, with health workers, former mental health service users, their relatives and influential community members. / Results: Many interviewees felt that mental health disorders are an increasing problem in their community. Economic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment and financial stress, are seen as both a cause and a consequence of mental illness. Mental health challenges can be exacerbated by shortages in mental healthcare, which are shown to be complexly interrelated with stigma. / Conclusion: This article provides an insight into mental health experiences in Fort Portal based on the perspectives of various interviewees. Further funding and research are recommended to inform contextually appropriate services.}, url = {https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v26i0.1391} }