Background of the study:
Faith healing practices have a longstanding presence in many communities, particularly in Ikorodu Local Government, Lagos State. These practices, which rely on spiritual intervention and divine healing, are often utilized in the management of mental illnesses. Believers assert that mental health issues may stem from spiritual afflictions and that prayer, rituals, and other forms of religious intervention can provide relief (Adesina, 2023; Bello, 2024). The cultural integration of faith and medicine has both supporters and detractors, as critics argue that reliance on faith healing can delay access to evidence-based psychiatric care. Recent studies emphasize the importance of understanding the interplay between faith healing and modern mental health services to develop culturally sensitive treatment plans (Olatunji, 2025). The persistence of these practices is attributed to deep-rooted beliefs and the influential role of religious leaders in the community. This study will investigate the extent to which faith healing practices affect mental illness management, assessing both potential benefits and drawbacks, and exploring avenues for collaboration between traditional and conventional mental health practitioners (Ibrahim, 2023).
Statement of the problem:
In Ikorodu, the predominance of faith healing practices in mental illness management poses a challenge to accessing modern psychiatric care. This reliance on spiritual interventions often delays diagnosis and treatment, potentially worsening mental health outcomes. The lack of collaboration between faith healers and mental health professionals contributes to fragmented care and increased stigma, hindering effective treatment (Adebayo, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To examine the prevalence of faith healing practices in mental illness management.
To assess the impact of these practices on treatment outcomes.
To develop strategies for integrating faith-based and conventional mental health services.
Research questions:
How prevalent are faith healing practices in managing mental illnesses in Ikorodu?
What are the perceived benefits and drawbacks of these practices?
How can collaboration between faith healers and mental health professionals be enhanced?
Research Hypotheses:
Reliance on faith healing delays timely access to conventional psychiatric care.
Faith healing practices have both positive cultural impacts and negative clinical outcomes.
Integrated treatment models can improve mental health outcomes.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it provides critical insights into the integration of faith healing with modern mental health practices. It aims to foster collaboration that respects cultural beliefs while ensuring effective psychiatric care, ultimately improving treatment outcomes (Adekunle, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to investigating the impact of faith healing practices on mental illness management within Ikorodu Local Government, focusing on local religious and health practices.
Definitions of terms:
Faith healing: The practice of using spiritual or religious means to cure illnesses.
Mental illness management: The process of diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals with mental health conditions.
Psychiatric care: Medical treatment provided for mental health disorders.
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