UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS AMONG MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE IN INDONESIA: A QUALITATIVE CONTENT ANALYSIS
Imam Waluyo  Septian Gandaputra  Muhammad Arsyad Subu, Sarkosih Sarkosih  Djadjang Aditaruna, Siswo Purwanto  

Abstract:
Little information is known regarding the use of traditional, complementary and alternative treatments among mentally ill people, their families and community members in Indonesia. This study is a part of a larger PhD dissertation that explores the use of traditional, complementary and alternative treatments among people with mental illness. A qualitative content analysis method was used. Data collection method involved semi-structured interviews, document review, field notes and memos. Content analysis was employed to organize and manage data. Study identified five themes: (1) the first choice of treatment for mental illness, (2) possessed by demons, Satan, or spirits, (3) sinful illness (illness caused by sin), (4) types of traditional complementary alternative treatments, and (5) violent treatments conducted by traditional healers. Study results indicated that complementary – alternative and traditional treatments and „smart people? (healers) are the central roles in offering and providing treatments as solutions when people have mental illness in Indonesia. Visiting complementary – alternative and traditional therapists, is the first choice of people (patients, families and other community members) when dealing with treatments of mental health problems. Further research is needed to understand the attitude or perspective of the family, the community and government staff as participants regarding these treatments. More importantly, it is needed to understand the effectiveness of these treatments which is still poorly studied in Indonesia. In addition, quantitative research is needed to examine the factors that affect the utilization of traditional or alternative therapies by 2

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