Migration For Work, Mental Health And AIDS In Mali

National Institute Of Mental Health

Investigators

Abstract

In collaboration with the Centre Regional de Medecine Traditionnelle in Bandiagara Mali, this project investigates how migration for work and other socio-environmental factors affect psychological functioning, mental and physical health as well as the nature of AIDS-related attitudes and behaviors, in the Dogon (primarily farmers), Fulani (primarily herders) and Bozo (primarily fishermen) ethnic groups. It involves an interview of a representative sample of 1002 rural Malians. Besides questions dealing with AIDS, the interview examines the social and environmental conditions of the respondents and their socio- cultural attitudes. It also measures psychological functioning and includes a screen for schizophrenia and depressive illnesses. This year the plans for the full implementation of the study were collaboratively developed, necessary IRB clearances obtained and pretests carried out.