Cultural Beliefs and Practices Regarding Mental Illness Among Adults in Pokhara, Nepal: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i397-103Keywords:
Mental illness, Coping strategies, Social Support, Cultural beliefs, help-seeking behavior, StigmaAbstract
This study explored the cultural beliefs and practices, coping strategies, and social support among individuals with mental illness in the community. Data were collected from 150 participants, focusing on the types of coping strategies employed, perceptions of mental illness, sources of help, and the role of cultural beliefs. Findings revealed a diversity of coping mechanisms, with 30 participants relying on emotional support and 30 participants instrumental support, 15 behavioral non-engagement, and 20 participant humor or religious practices.15 participants Self-blame, 15 participant substance use, while 25 participants utilized other coping strategies. These results highlight the predominance of social, behavioral, and religious coping methods in managing mental health challenges.
Regarding help-seeking behavior, approximately 10% of participants reported consulting traditional spiritual healers (“Dhami”), demonstrating the enduring influence of cultural and religious practices. Family responses indicated that 30% hospital or medical care, 10% approached traditional healers, and 15% turned to religious interventions, while smaller proportions 5% ignored the illness. Participants’ beliefs about the causes of mental illness varied: 5% attributed it to stress and life problems, 5% to evil spirits, 10 % to medical or biological factors, 5% to karma or past sins, and 5% to witchcraft (Boksi), indicating that traditional and cultural interpretations remain significant alongside modern medical explanations.
Mental illness is widely influenced by cultural beliefs and practices, particularly in developing countries like Nepal. This study aims to explore the relationship between cultural beliefs, practices, and mental illness among the population of Pokhara Metropolitan City. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to collect data from community participants through structured questionnaires. The study examines common cultural perceptions, including beliefs in supernatural causes, stigma, and reliance on traditional healers such as dhami-jhakri.
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