Cultural Influences on Mental Health: Development, Expression, Prevalence, and Help-Seeking in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Ushindi Josue Muderhwa, Ph.D., Free University of Great Lake Countries, DR Congo (ULPGL-Goma).

Mental health is a critical issue for public health today globally. However, despite the increasing awareness of mental health and advances in mental health practices, cultural barriers still limit people’s understanding of mental health and care-seeking in many parts of the world including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective of this study, therefore, was to examine the role of culture in development, expression, prevalence of mental health issues and help-seeking behaviors in the DRC. The study used a systematic review of extant literature on the subject drawn from various online databases where a total of 16 studies were analyzed. The methodology adhered to the PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency and rigor, and only peer-reviewed articles, including empirical studies, reviews, and meta-analyses focusing on mental health were included in the study. The study found that in the DRC, cultural views on mental health pervade. Culture had both positive and negative influences of mental health and mental illness perceptions. Cultural beliefs and familial bonds provided a sense of belonging and resilience and could serve as protective factors. However, uninformed cultural dispositions can also be a source of stigma. Further, cultural barriers, including stigma and a preference for traditional healing, hindered mental health treatment-seeking behavior. The study concluded that cultural factors significantly influence mental health and mental illness perceptions and treatment-seeking behaviors. There is a need to promote culturally sensitive, community-based mental health care through inclusive policies, practitioner training, and public engagement to reduce stigma and encourage timely help-seeking behaviors

Keywords: Mental Health, Positive and Negative Impacts, Culture, Treatment-seeking