Media for advocacy of mental health in the Ethiopian context. Current practice, gaps, and future directions

Frontiers in Psychiatry

Psychiatry

Niall Kavanagh¹  Yonas L. Belete¹  Caroline Prioleau¹  Mohammed N. Anbessie²  Biniyam A. Ayele³  Victor Valcour⁴  Kalkidan Yohannis⁵ 

[1] Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States;Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States;Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Research and Training Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States;Department of Neurology, College of Health Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States;Memory and Aging Center, Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States;SWEDESD – Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden;WOMHER – Women’s Mental Health During the Reproductive Lifespan, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden;Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia;

关键词: media;    advocacy;    mental health;    Ethiopia;    social media;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1248827

 received in 2023-06-27, accepted in 2023-08-11,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Media plays a crucial role in reshaping societal attitudes and behaviors towards individuals with mental illness. It contributes to improved rights of people living with mental health conditions and access to care services. However, in Ethiopia, mental health advocacy faces obstacles such as deep-rooted misconceptions, fear, and discrimination about mental illness, as well limited engagement of stakeholders and language barriers. Both mainstream and social media play a large role in disseminating mental health topics in Ethiopia. However, they need organized initiatives and efforts in order to be successful in promoting mental health awareness to the public. Implementing a comprehensive strategy comprising public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, responsible reporting, and increased coverage of mental health topics is crucial. The World Health Organization also emphasizes the role of health ministries in supporting mental health advocacy efforts. By promoting education, challenging stigmas, and improving access to mental health services, media advocacy can contribute to creating a more informed and supportive society for individuals with mental illness in Ethiopia.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Anbessie, Belete, Ayele, Valcour, Kavanagh, Prioleau and Yohannis.