ARCHIVES
VOL. 12, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Effects of information under load on mental health management: Case of informal care givers of dementia patients in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors
Briges Grizzah
Abstract
The study aimed at
finding effects of information under load on mental health management with
reference to informal care givers of dementia patients. A qualitative research
approach was adopted and a sample was drawn from Harare (n = 12). Data
collection was based on triangulation (In-depth interviews and Focus Group
Discussion – FGD) and also triangulation was used on data analysis (Narrative
analysis and Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis – IPA). It came out that
informal care givers of dementia patients are facing difficulties in making
decisions and experiencing poor judgement episodes .There is lack of motivation
to engage in daily care activities and increased anxiety and stress. More so
there is an information gap in informal care givers of dementia patients.
Barriers to information are linked to information poverty and marginalization,
cultural beliefs and practices, medical jargon and mental states such as
anxiety, stress, grief and cognitive biases. Relating to these findings, the
study recommended that families of dementia patients should consider individual
and family therapies to cater for information under load on informal care
givers. Family members and care givers should consider joining support groups
and prioritize education about dementia. Government should continue to craft and
review policies and programmes linked to mental health. Should increase funding
for mental health services. Should support research on mental health to guide
policies and practice. There should be public-private partnerships to leverage
resources and expertise in treatment and management of mental illnesses. Civic
organisations should continue advocating for continuous policy reviews that
suit and support treatment and management of mental illnesses. Provide
continuous services (counselling/psychotherapy), forming and facilitating
support groups for care givers, families and communities. Continuous monitoring
of trends and evaluation of mental health programmes. Future recommendations
cited that a broader scope can be useful by accommodating informal care givers
of dementia patients based in rural areas.
Download
Pages:93-99
How to cite this article:
Briges Grizzah "Effects of information under load on mental health management: Case of informal care givers of dementia patients in Harare, Zimbabwe". International Journal of Medical and Health Research, Vol 12, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 93-99
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.