Background Mental health disorders, which are interlinked with social issues such as poverty and stigma, present a significant burden in Uganda. Aim This article explores perceptions about and experiences of mental health disorders in western Uganda, particularly as they pertain to the socio-economic context. Setting The research was conducted in the mental health unit at the Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole District, Uganda. Method This article is based on qualitative anthropological research conducted from January to March 2017, including 49 semi-structured interviews about ideas and determinants of mental health, with health workers, former mental health service users, their relatives and influential community members. Results Many interviewees felt that mental health disorders are an increasing problem in their community. Economic challenges, such as poverty, unemployment and financial stress, are seen as both a cause and a consequence of mental illness. Mental health challenges can be exacerbated by shortages in mental healthcare, which are shown to be complexly interrelated with stigma. Conclusion This article provides an insight into mental health experiences in Fort Portal based on the perspectives of various interviewees. Further funding and research are recommended to inform contextually appropriate services.

中文翻译：

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乌干达西部 Fort Portal 与精神健康障碍相关的社会经济因素。

背景 与贫困和耻辱等社会问题相互关联的精神健康障碍在乌干达构成了沉重的负担。目的 本文探讨了乌干达西部对精神健康障碍的看法和经历，尤其是与社会经济背景相关的情况。设置 该研究是在乌干达卡巴罗尔区 Fort Portal 地区转诊医院的心理健康部门进行的。方法 本文基于 2017 年 1 月至 3 月进行的定性人类学研究，包括对卫生工作者、前心理健康服务使用者、他们的亲属和有影响力的社区成员进行的 49 次关于心理健康观念和决定因素的半结构化访谈。结果 许多受访者认为精神健康障碍在他们的社区中是一个日益严重的问题。经济挑战，例如贫困、失业和财务压力，被视为精神疾病的原因和后果。精神卫生保健的短缺可能会加剧精神卫生挑战，这与耻辱感有着复杂的关联。结论 本文根据不同受访者的观点，对 Fort Portal 的心理健康体验进行了深入了解。建议进行进一步的资助和研究，以便为适合环境的服务提供信息。结论 本文根据不同受访者的观点，对 Fort Portal 的心理健康体验进行了深入了解。建议进行进一步的资助和研究，以便为适合环境的服务提供信息。结论 本文根据不同受访者的观点，对 Fort Portal 的心理健康体验进行了深入了解。建议进行进一步的资助和研究，以便为适合环境的服务提供信息。