Household economic costs associated with mental, neurological and substance use disorders: a cross-sectional survey in six low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Little is known about the household economic costs associated with mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders in low- and middle-income countries.

Aims: To assess the association between MNS disorders and household education, consumption, production, assets and financial coping strategies in Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.

Method: We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional household survey in one district in each country, comparing the economic circumstances of households with an MNS disorder (alcohol-use disorder, depression, epilepsy or psychosis) (n = 2339) and control households (n = 1982).

Information systems for mental health in six low and middle income countries: cross country situation analysis.

Background: Research on information systems for mental health in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is scarce. As a result, there is a lack of reliable information on mental health service needs, treatment coverage and the quality of services provided.

Methods: With the aim of informing the development and implementation of a mental health information sub-system that includes reliable and measurable indicators on mental health within the Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), a cross-country situation analysis of HMIS was conducted in six LMICs (Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda), participating in the 'Emerging mental health systems in low and middle income countries' (Emerald) research programme.

Perinatal mental health care in a rural African district, Uganda: a qualitative study of barriers, facilitators and needs.

Background: Perinatal mental illness is a common and important public health problem, especially in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to explore the barriers and facilitators, as well as perceptions about the feasibility and acceptability of plans to deliver perinatal mental health care in primary care settings in a low income, rural district in Uganda.

Methods: Six focus group discussions comprising separate groups of pregnant and postpartum women and village health teams as well as eight key informant interviews were conducted in the local language using a topic guide.

Development of a district mental healthcare plan in Uganda.

Background: Evidence is needed for the integration of mental health into primary care advocated by the national health sector strategic investment plan in Uganda.

Aims: To describe the processes of developing a district mental healthcare plan (MHCP) in rural Uganda that facilitates integration of mental health into primary care.

Method: Mixed methods using a situational analysis, qualitative studies, theory of change workshops and partial piloting of the plan at two levels informed the MHCP.

Estimating the cost of implementing district mental healthcare plans in five low- and middle-income countries: the PRIME study.

Background: An essential element of mental health service scale up relates to an assessment of resource requirements and cost implications.

Aims: To assess the expected resource needs of scaling up services in five districts in sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia.

Method: The resource quantities associated with each site's specified care package were identified and subsequently costed, both at current and target levels of coverage.

Stakeholder's perceptions of help-seeking behaviour among people with mental health problems in Uganda.

Introduction: Mental health facilities in Uganda remain underutilized, despite efforts to decentralize the services. One of the possible explanations for this is the help-seeking behaviours of people with mental health problems. Unfortunately little is known about the factors that influence the help-seeking behaviours.

An overview of Uganda's mental health care system: results from an assessment using the world health organization's assessment instrument for mental health systems (WHO-AIMS).

Background: The Ugandan government recognizes mental health as a serious public health and development concern, and has of recent implemented a number of reforms aimed at strengthening the country's mental health system. The aim of this study was to provide a profile of the current mental health policy, legislation and services in Uganda.

Methods: A survey was conducted of public sector mental health policy and legislation, and service resources and utilisation in Uganda, in the year 2005, using the World Health Organization's Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) Version 2.

Stakeholder perceptions of mental health stigma and poverty in Uganda.

Background: World wide, there is plentiful evidence regarding the role of stigma in mental illness, as well as the association between poverty and mental illness. The experiences of stigma catalyzed by poverty revolve around experiences of devaluation, exclusion, and disadvantage. Although the relationship between poverty, stigma and mental illness has been documented in high income countries, little has been written on this relationship in low and middle income countries.