Contextually salient barriers and facilitators to implementing community-based mental health interventions delivered by non-specialists in Senegal: A qualitative study

This study provides formative evidence for implementing non-specialist-administered mental health interventions in Senegal, revealing complex cultural dynamics to inform intervention design and implementation.Significant barriers include strong preferences for resolving mental health conditions within the family, various stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes, and substantial financial constraints.However, the research also identifies facilitators such as widespread recognition of the value of interpersonal dialogue, empathy, and community enthusiasm for mental health interventions.The findings demonstrate that successful implementation requires navigating nuanced cultural norms while leveraging existing community strengths in social support.The coexistence of stigma and empathy, alongside both resistance and openness to non-specialist services, highlights a dynamic tension that not only challenges implementation but also presents an opportunity for change.These insights provide critical foundations for designing culturally tailored, sustainable interventions to reduce the mental health treatment gap in Senegal.