Community perspectives on early childhood mental health in Lesotho: symptoms, adversity, and resources

Introduction: Early childhood is a formative time that can establish the foundation for a successful life. Unaddressed adversities, however, can lead to mental health challenges. In Lesotho, little is known about factors affecting mental health in early childhood, preventing the development or effective use of resources to support children in need. Materials and methods: This study used a constructivist qualitative methodology to explore, through a series of 25 focus groups and four interviews, the perspectives of health professionals, mental health professionals, and community members (n = 218) related to signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, adversities, and resources to support mental health in early childhood. Results: Findings suggest an awareness of common signs and symptoms that a child may be struggling, but also a lack of knowledge of mental health and child development that may result in stigma. Adversities and resources related to the mental health of young children are identified. Conclusions: Recommendations based on these findings are paired with evidence-based models of early childhood development to suggest a framework for improving early childhood mental health care and development in Lesotho. This study suggests a need for future research and greater support systems to help young children who are struggling and their families.