Background of the study
Religious healing centers have traditionally played a significant role in addressing mental health issues in many communities. In Aba South Local Government Area, Abia State, these centers are often the first point of call for individuals with psychiatric conditions due to cultural beliefs and the perceived spiritual nature of mental illness (Nkem, 2023). However, reliance on religious healing may delay access to conventional psychiatric care, resulting in suboptimal treatment outcomes. Recent research indicates that while religious healing centers provide emotional and spiritual support, they often lack the capacity to offer comprehensive mental health services (Ifeanyi, 2024). Furthermore, the integration of spiritual practices with modern psychiatric care remains a contentious issue, requiring careful evaluation of its benefits and drawbacks (Chukwuemeka, 2025). This study investigates the impact of religious healing centers on the delivery of psychiatric care, examining the balance between traditional practices and evidence-based interventions, and assessing their influence on patient outcomes.
Statement of the problem
In Aba South, the predominance of religious healing centers in addressing psychiatric issues has raised concerns about the adequacy of mental health care. Patients often opt for spiritual interventions over conventional treatments, potentially leading to delayed or inappropriate care. The disconnect between traditional healing practices and modern psychiatric services poses significant challenges for effective mental health management. This study seeks to understand the impact of religious healing on psychiatric care delivery and patient outcomes, highlighting gaps in service integration (Nkem, 2023; Ifeanyi, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To evaluate the role of religious healing centers in psychiatric care.
To identify the challenges in integrating religious healing with modern psychiatric services.
To recommend strategies for better integration of mental health services.
Research questions:
How do religious healing centers influence psychiatric care in Aba South?
What are the challenges associated with integrating spiritual and modern treatments?
What strategies can improve the integration of these services?
Research Hypotheses:
Reliance on religious healing delays access to formal psychiatric care.
Integration challenges arise from conflicting treatment paradigms.
Collaborative models can enhance psychiatric care outcomes.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it explores the interplay between religious healing and psychiatric care, offering insights for healthcare providers and policymakers to develop integrated treatment models that respect cultural practices while ensuring effective mental health care (Nkem, 2023; Chukwuemeka, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to investigating the impact of religious healing centers on psychiatric care in Aba South Local Government Area, focusing solely on local cultural and healthcare dynamics.
Definitions of terms:
Religious Healing Centers: Facilities offering spiritual interventions for health issues.
Psychiatric Care: Medical treatment for mental health disorders.
Integration: The combination of traditional and modern healthcare practices.
Background of the Study :
Urban traffic congestion poses significant challenges in many Nigerian cities, leading to increas...
Background of the study
According to the WHO definition (2...
Background of the Study
Monetary policy, by influencing the cost of capital and credit availability, play...
Background of the Study
Dietary habits play a pivotal role in the development and management of type 2 diabetes. In Rivers State, rapid u...
Background of the Study
Internal auditing is a critical component of corporate governance, designed to evaluate and impr...
Background of the Study
Digital vernaculars—informal, innovative language varieties that emerge in online communicat...
Background of the Study
Branch network accessibility is a critical determinant of a bank’s ability to serve diverse...
Background of the Study
Efficient exam scheduling is essential to academic administration, yet traditional methods often r...
Background of the Study
The practice of marketing goods and services is nearly as...
Background of the study
Poverty alleviation programs have been implemented across various rural communities as a strategy...