INTEGRATION OF MENTAL HEALTH INTO PRIMARY HEALTHCARE - A CHALLENGE FOR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS

Abstract

Objective: To determine role of primary care physicians, in management of MH disorders at primary health care level, by assessing the proportion of cases they manage or refer and to identify the barriers effecting the management of common mental health disorders through primary care physicians working in Rawalpindi area.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Private and Public sector health facilities in Rawalpindi district for a duration of 6 months, from July to Dec 2016.

Material and Methods: Data was collected from respondents, selected through convenient sampling, using a pretested structured questionnaire.

Results: Of 114 (75.7%) of primary care physicians were found to have a negative attitude towards mental disorders and their management at primary care setups while 117 (78%) showed a positive attitude. Primary care physicians in aggregate had good knowledge of common mental disorders however participants’ knowledge about medicines used in management of mental disorders was below median value.

Conclusion: The study provides evidence about knowledge and attitude of primary care physicians, working in Rawalpindi regarding mental disorders and their management primary care level. Moreover, it identifies major barriers in the system, through primary care physicians, which need to be addressed for successful integration of mental health into primary care.