Abstract:
Background and objectives: Mental illnesses remain a global health challenge, mandating
prompt identification and intervention. Social stigma and ignorance often deter individuals
from seeking timely care. Sufferers explore alternative explanations for the origin of mental
illnesses, and most resort to traditional healing rituals that are deeply rooted in our culture and
are perceived to provide holistic care.
This study investigated the relationship between different mental illnesses and traditional
healing practices utilised by first-contact patients presenting to the psychiatry units of Teaching
Hospital Jaffna and Base Hospital Tellippalai.
Methods: This institution-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between
October 2021 and April 2022, involving 353 participants. Data were collected through a semistructured, interviewer-administered questionnaire at inpatients and outpatient settings of the
above-mentioned psychiatric facilities. Chi-square test was used to determine the significance.
Results: The mean age of the sample was 33.1 (SD = 13.86) years with slight male
preponderance and the majority were Tamil Hindus. Common mental illnesses were depressive
disorder (24.4%), followed by mental and behavioral disorders due to substance use (20.7%)
and adjustment disorder (12.2%). Over half the sample (57.5%) had sought one or more
traditional healing rituals before coming into contact with psychiatric services. Having
adjustment disorders was significantly associated with the practice of evicting the evil eye
(p=0.021), while depression was associated with chanting religious slogans (p=0.01), and
schizophrenia with tying of enchanted threads/talismans/amulets (p=0.044).
Conclusion: Integrating scientifically validated elements of traditional healing into mental
health treatment, while ensuring the duration of untreated illness is not extended, is crucial.
Additional research is needed to comprehend the intricate relationships between traditional
healing practices and mental illness as well as their impact on mental health care. Educating
Research Conference of Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna – August 2024
traditional healers on recognizing major mental illnesses and working with them for timely
referrals would be considered the way forward.
