https://library.icmglt.org/files/original/822cbf979a43f043cb443552abb8d0fb.png 7a0e23db1cb6b2ef7b90132aa1774895 https://library.icmglt.org/files/original/dbf4494fb6cff712c96c5791682d861e.pdf 10c3d08ebf8eba939865fd580ba1f6a3 Electronic Resource View Source <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06328-3">https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06328-3</a> Document Type Journal article Author(s) Yakubu H. Yakubu, Richard J. Siegert, Christian U. Krägeloh, Lydia Aziato, Eleanor Holroyd Volume Vol. 43 Publisher Springer Nature Journal Name Current Psychology Publication Date 2024 Region Ghana, Africa Language English Access Open Access Abstract For years, older women accused of witchcraft have been persecuted and forced into sanctuaries known as witch camps. This highlights a lack of public policies and social support for older women facing disabilities, aging, and dementia. Labelling them as witches and isolating them from their families and familiar surroundings profoundly impacts their emotional well-being. However, little is known about the mental health of older women in witch camps in northern Ghana. This study interviewed 15 women from the Gambaga witches camp, identifying five main themes and 21 related sub-themes: ‘Physical and Mental Health Issues,’ ‘Psychological Impacts of Displacement and Trauma,’ ‘Social Isolation and Emotional Distress,’ ‘Living Conditions,’ and ‘Community Support and Strategies for Improving Well-being.’ The sub-themes included ‘Physical problems (chronic body pain) impacting upon general health and well-being’, ‘Anxiety and nervousness’, ‘Sleep and restlessness- “can’t sit still”, ‘Suicidal thoughts and anger’, ‘Forgetfulness’, ‘Concentration and confusion’, ‘Loneliness, sadness from family disconnection’ and ‘stigma – self and others’, ‘Loss of respect and dignity (‘Dariza’)’, ‘Frailty and loss of independence’, ‘Feelings of helplessness, unhappiness, and despair’, ‘Lack of family support and dignity’, ‘Lack of basic needs, and inadequate social facilities’. Findings revealed the negative effects of cultural beliefs and discrimination on the mental health of these women. Addressing public stigma and challenging these beliefs can improve healthcare and outcomes, allowing older women to stay connected with their families, reduce depression, and lead meaningful lives. Cataloger Kristen Walker Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource An Exploratory Study of the Mental Health and Emotional Challenges of Women inside Ghanaian Witches’ Camps Subject The topic of the resource Witchcraft--Africa Africa Aging Women Discrimination Ghana Mental Health Persecution Psychology Public Policy Witchcraft Women