The attitudes of Black African immigrants towards the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and their implications for health promotion.

Objectives
The main aim of this study was to critically examine the attitudes of African immigrants in the UK towards the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and their implications for health promotion. The study specifically looked at beliefs in relation to the aetiology and treatment of mental illness, perception of the mentally ill and related socio-emotional reactions. The impact of
socio-demographic factors on attitudes was also evaluated.
Design
Twenty participants of the Sub-Sahara African descent were involved in the survey where a structured questionnaire was used for the interviews. Data collected was analysed using SPSS statistical package. Simple descriptive and correlation analyses were performed and results interpreted.
Findings
Results showed that more participants (68%) endorsed biological causes of mental illness as compared to spiritual and psychosocial (56%). The study also showed a high level of approval of the mainstream mental health services. However, the general practitioner was least recommended among health professionals. The level of acceptance of the mentally ill was on average very low
(32%).
Conclusion
The hypothesis that Africans have a negative attitude towards the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and therefore are reluctant to voluntarily access mental health services was found to be true. However, a similar study is recommended with a larger sample to allow for generalizations to be drawn as this study used a small convenient sample. The findings of this study will hopefully help health promotion strategists to design more effective mental health programs among the African immigrant population.

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