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Mental illness and Egyptian families
Gihane Endrawes1, Louise O'Brien, Lesley Wilkes
1School of Nursing, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, NSW, Australia. g.endrawes@mackillop.acu.edu.au
International Journal of Mental Health Nursing
|May 31, 2007
Summary
Egyptian cultural beliefs about mental illness differ from Western models, impacting mental health service acceptance. Understanding these beliefs, including the Zar cult, is crucial for culturally sensitive care in Australia.
Area of Science:
- Cross-cultural psychiatry
- Medical anthropology
- Mental health nursing
Background:
- Egyptian cultural beliefs regarding mental illness diverge significantly from Anglo-Saxon psychiatric paradigms prevalent in Australia.
- These disparities influence the perception, acceptance, and utilization of mental health services by the Egyptian community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on Egyptian beliefs about mental illness and family coping mechanisms in Egypt.
- To explore the potential experiences of Egyptians with mental illness in Australia, drawing parallels from Egyptian contexts.
- To examine the influence of cultural practices like the Zar cult, alongside historical and contemporary Egyptian mental healthcare systems, education, and religion.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Egyptian cultural beliefs and mental illness.
- Exploration of specific cultural practices (Zar cult) and their relation to mental health.
- Analysis of historical and contemporary mental health care in Egypt, including educational and religious influences.
Main Results:
- Cultural beliefs regarding the causes of mental illness (e.g., evil eye, magic) differ from biomedical models.
- Family coping strategies in Egypt are influenced by these cultural beliefs.
- Understanding these beliefs is essential for effective cross-cultural mental health care delivery.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require awareness of diverse belief systems to provide culturally sensitive mental health care.
- Respecting clients' beliefs, values, and practices is fundamental for effective therapeutic relationships.
- This review provides insights for improving mental health service engagement with the Egyptian diaspora.
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