Aim: To explore factors at different socioecological levels that affect mental health service delivery from primary healthcare (PHC) facilities of Arghakhanchi district, a western hilly district of Nepal.

Background: Mental health service delivery has seen four transformational shifts from Alma Ata to Astana Declaration. Mental Health Gap Action Programme has facilitated the delivery of evidence-based interventions on mental, neurological and substance use disorders by non-specialised health workers in PHC settings as well as advocated scaling up of mental healthcare through integration of mental health in PHC.

Methods: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted in Arghakhanchi district of Nepal from July to August 2019 that collected information through face-to-face key informant interviews of 16 purposively selected participants using validated interview guidelines. Thematic analysis was performed using RQDA package for EZR software. Validation of translated transcripts, member checking and inter-coder percent agreement were performed to maintain rigour in the study.

Results: Lack of mental health training and no authority to prescribe psychotropic medications coupled with lack of mental health commodities acted as barriers for mental health service delivery. Awareness regarding mental health and modalities of treatment to the community and provision of training and authority to prescribe psychotropic medicines were recommended by the participants for proper mental health service delivery.

Conclusions: Awareness regarding mental illness treatment modalities to the community and mental health training for healthcare service providers would help increase mental health service delivery from PHC facilities. Moreover, strengthened referral system and availability of psychotropic medicines at the PHC level would assist in mental health service delivery from PHC facilities. However, regular monitoring and supervision of the services being delivered is essential.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080163DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

mental health
52
health service
28
service delivery
24
mental
15
health
14
phc facilities
12
service
8
delivery primary
8
primary healthcare
8
western hilly
8

Similar Publications

Behavioral and mental health (BMH) issues are increasing in adolescents as shortages of primary care and BMH providers are also rising. The healthcare burden has fallen especially hard on primary care providers (PCPs), who are showing increasing signs of burnout and making plans to reduce their work hours or leave the profession altogether. These factors impede their ability to be the first line of defense in providing emotional support to children and families.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: Past studies have shown the efficacy of spinal targeted drug delivery (TDD) in pain relief, reduction in opioid use, and cost-effectiveness in long-term management of complex chronic pain. We conducted a survey to determine treatment variables associated with patient satisfaction.

Materials And Methods: Patients in a single pain clinic who were implanted with Medtronic pain pumps to relieve intractable pain were identified from our electronic health record.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Untangling the complex relationship between bipolar disorder and anxiety: a comprehensive review of prevalence, prognosis, and therapy.

J Neural Transm (Vienna)

January 2025

Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Mental Health Center of Tianjin Medical University, 13 Liulin Road, Tianjin, 300222, China.

Bipolar disorder (BD) frequently coexists with anxiety disorders, creating complex challenges in clinical therapy and management. This study investigates the prevalence, prognostic implications, and treatment strategies for comorbid BD and anxiety disorders. High comorbidity rates, particularly with generalized anxiety disorder, underscore the necessity of thorough clinical assessments to guide effective management.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Mitochondrial membrane protein-associated neurodegeneration (MPAN) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by spastic paraplegia, parkinsonism and psychiatric and/or behavioral symptoms caused by variants in gene encoding chromosome-19 open reading frame-12 (C19orf12). We present here seven patients from six unrelated families with detailed clinical, radiological, and genetic investigations. Childhood-onset patients predominantly had a spastic ataxic phenotype with optic atrophy, while adult-onset patients were presented with cognitive, behavioral, and parkinsonian symptoms.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!