Maigari Yusufu Taru
Department of Psychiatry, University of Jos, Nigeria
Publications
-
Research Article
Mental Health Knowledge and Attitudes of Community Health Workers in Northern Nigeria Thirty Years After Mental Health Was Integrated into Primary Healthcare Settings
Author(s): Maigari Yusufu Taru*, Precious Akinnusi, Tungchama Friday Philip, Aishatu Yushaâ??u Armiyaâ??u, Charles Nwoga Nnaemeka, Dung Ezekiel Jidong, Margaret Isioma Ojeahere and Binuga Boyiga Boyiga
Background: The knowledge and attitudes of community health workers are essential in expanding mental health services, particularly in countries like Nigeria. Despite over thirty years of attempts to integrate mental health into primary healthcare, challenges remain. Many community health workers lack sufficient mental health training and harbor negative, stigmatizing attitudes towards mental health. Additionally, Nigeria’s mental health policies often lack adequate implementation strategies, further complicating efforts to meet the mental health needs of the population. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) towards mental health, thirty years after its integration into primary healthcare in Nigeria. Methods: This study evaluat.. Read More»