Accessibility and Utilization Frequencies of Mental Health Support Services Among Urban Dwellers with Disabilities in Dakar, Senegal: Impacts on Social Isolation in 2002

This study examines the accessibility of mental health support services for urban dwellers with disabilities in Dakar, Senegal, focusing on their utilization frequencies and the impact on social isolation. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling from various rehabilitation centers in Dakar. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. The analysis revealed that while mental health services are available in some locations, they are not consistently accessible due to geographical and financial barriers. Only a minority of participants reported using these services regularly, with social isolation being a significant consequence for those who do access them. Despite the availability of support services, there is low utilization among urban dwellers with disabilities, leading to heightened feelings of social isolation. Efforts should be made to enhance service accessibility and affordability, as well as to improve awareness about available resources through targeted community outreach programmes.