Pathways to psychiatric care in Harare, Zimbabwe

A clinical study on psychiatric care in Zimbabwe.A study was carried out on the pathways to psychiatric care in Harare, Zimbabwe. Encounter forms were completed on 48 patients admitted to psychiatric beds. Analysis indicated that there was a by-pass of primary care facilities, with a significant number presenting directly to tertiary care facilities, here were lengthy delays before seeking care, but delays while receiving care were moderate. The sample as a whole was composed of major disorders, displaying severe symptoms, and there was a suggestion that some patients become more disturbed along the pathway. As a whole, the sample is very different to samples screened from primary care settings, and the consequences of this are discussed

A preliminary investigation into psychological disorders in Mozambican refugees: prevalence and clinical features

A CAJM preliminary investigation into psychological disorders among refugees in Mozambique.Psychological disorders are common in refugee samples, with several studies showing high rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The present study examined the prevalence and factors associated with psychological disorders in Mozambican refugees in Zimbabwe. The findings indicated a very high prevalence rate (62 pc), which is considerably higher than that obtained from other settings within Zimbabwe. The demographic characteristics were similar in most respects to other Zimbabwean samples, but there was a trend towards greater social adversity (more relationship difficulties, less schooling and higher employment). Clinically, refugees were severe, with high scores on the SRQ-20, a presenting picture of multiple somatic complaints, and a high rate of rated suicidal risk. There were a significant number of refugees who had had an experience with violence in their recent past, as well as there having been frequent life events in the past six months. The implications of these findings are discussed with reference to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the management of psychological disorders generally

The psychosocial effects of organized violence and torture: A pilot study comparing survivors and their neighbours in Zimbabwe

Studies of survivors of organized violence and torture are uncommon in the African setting. Studies of the psychosocial effects of organized violence and torture are even less common. A Zimbabwean study comparing survivors of organized violence and torture with their neighbours was carried out in one previously war-affected area of Zimbabwe. The findings indicated that survivors were more economically and socially deprived than their neighbours in many key areas, especially the areas of employment, income, food security and housing. In addition, survivors showed indications of lower self-esteem and belief that they could change their situation. Seen in the context of the increasing real poverty in Zimbabwe, the findings suggest that survivors of organized violence and torture represent a disabled group that may require targeted assistance by the State in order to overcome the social adversity they experience. The findings also indicate the need to assess more carefully the psychosocial as well as the medical consequences of organized violence and torture, especially in a region where epidemic levels of violence have been experienced in recent decades. Journal of Social Development in Africa Vol 15 No 2 2000, pp. 137-16