Presentation Information
[O-10-02]Breaking barriers - Advancing mental health support to women in rural regions of Bali
*Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana1, Cokorda Rai Adi Pramartha1, Na Liu2, Mingyue Guo2, Manoj Abraham Thomas2, Linh Khanh Chu2, Putu Aryani1 (1.Udayana University(Indonesia), 2.The University of Sydney (Australia))
Keywords:
mental health,Bali,cultural integration,women’s health
Introduction:
In rural Bali, women face significant mental health challenges exacerbated by cultural stigma, scarce healthcare resources, and geographic isolation. These factors contribute to the systematic under-recognition and under-treatment of mental health conditions, resulting in prolonged psychological distress and diminished overall well-being. This study aims to examine the existing barriers to accessing mental health support and to inform the development of effective, culturally sensitive, community-based strategies specifically tailored to the needs of women in rural Balinese communities.
Methods:
This study employed an exploratory qualitative design in Karangasem District, Bali. Between November 2024 and January 2025, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 female residents and 4 local health providers. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically, with particular attention to community language, help-seeking behaviors, and systemic gaps in mental health service provision.
Results:
Findings revealed critically limited mental health literacy. Women frequently used reductive terms like “buduh” (crazy), preventing nuanced understanding of milder conditions such as anxiety or depression. Many hesitated to share or hided psychosocial distresses due to normative gender expectations and fear of social judgment-a pervasive stigma, validated by health workers. Furthermore, a lack of awareness regarding available mental health services significantly hindered timely support.
Discussion:
This study underscores the urgent need for culturally adapted, accessible mental health services reflecting local beliefs and practices. Integrating traditional healing with modern therapies and using digital platforms for health promotion and self-screening, can enhance engagement and early symptom reporting. Addressing these cultural and systemic gaps via community-based initiatives offers a sustainable model for improving women's mental health in rural Bali and similar regions.
Conclusion:
Breaking barriers to mental health support for women in rural Bali requires an integrative approach that bridges cultural sensitivities and systemic service gaps. Scaling the proposed pilot model could serve as a blueprint for addressing similar challenges in other underserved regions.
In rural Bali, women face significant mental health challenges exacerbated by cultural stigma, scarce healthcare resources, and geographic isolation. These factors contribute to the systematic under-recognition and under-treatment of mental health conditions, resulting in prolonged psychological distress and diminished overall well-being. This study aims to examine the existing barriers to accessing mental health support and to inform the development of effective, culturally sensitive, community-based strategies specifically tailored to the needs of women in rural Balinese communities.
Methods:
This study employed an exploratory qualitative design in Karangasem District, Bali. Between November 2024 and January 2025, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 female residents and 4 local health providers. Interview transcripts were analyzed thematically, with particular attention to community language, help-seeking behaviors, and systemic gaps in mental health service provision.
Results:
Findings revealed critically limited mental health literacy. Women frequently used reductive terms like “buduh” (crazy), preventing nuanced understanding of milder conditions such as anxiety or depression. Many hesitated to share or hided psychosocial distresses due to normative gender expectations and fear of social judgment-a pervasive stigma, validated by health workers. Furthermore, a lack of awareness regarding available mental health services significantly hindered timely support.
Discussion:
This study underscores the urgent need for culturally adapted, accessible mental health services reflecting local beliefs and practices. Integrating traditional healing with modern therapies and using digital platforms for health promotion and self-screening, can enhance engagement and early symptom reporting. Addressing these cultural and systemic gaps via community-based initiatives offers a sustainable model for improving women's mental health in rural Bali and similar regions.
Conclusion:
Breaking barriers to mental health support for women in rural Bali requires an integrative approach that bridges cultural sensitivities and systemic service gaps. Scaling the proposed pilot model could serve as a blueprint for addressing similar challenges in other underserved regions.