Collaboratively developing mental health promotion materials with champions in faith communities in Ghana: A pilot study

Abstract

Collaboration with faith communities has been identified as a promising approach to addressing the huge mental health treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries. These collaborations can provide opportunities to develop mental health education materials and interventions in local forms. In this study, we identified champions (N=10) in Christian and Muslim communities in Ghana and co-developed mental health education materials focusing on mental illness myths, presentations of depression, anxiety, bipolar, and schizophrenia in lay terms. We also provided information on how to support people with mental health conditions. We subsequently supported the champions to use the co-developed materials within their faith communities. The champions found the materials both useful and easy to apply. They created opportunities and facilitated conversations around mental health with different groups, including both youth and adults, within their faith communities. Observations and interviews with the champions suggest that it is feasible to co-develop mental health education materials in partnership with faith community members in Ghana.