Prevalence of Mental Illnesses among Adults Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Baghdad
Abstract
BACKGROUND:It is gradually becoming recognized that mental disorders are a public health problem throughout theworld. Psychiatric epidemiological studies are therefore crucial for the planning and development ofpsychiatric services.OBJECTIVE:To determine the prevalence and determinants of mental illness among adults attending PrimaryHealth Care Centers (PHCCs) in Baghdad, Iraq.METHODS:A cross sectional survey was conducted in two primary health care centers in Baghdad governorate.Participants were interviewed and data filled using a questionnaire for socio-demographic variables,Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and WHO guide to mental health in primary care.RESULTS:A total of 527 PHCCs attendees were approached. The prevalence of mental illness was 36.8%.Depression (49.48%) and anxiety (20.62%) were the major categories of mental illness. The highestproportion of mental illnesses was seen among the older age groups (80%), females (37.9%), widows(84.6%), higher education level (96.7%), and retired (77.8%).CONCLUSION:In accordance with other studies, about one third of adult attending PHCCs had mental disorders. Thestudy emphasized strengthening mental health services in PHCCs through establishing metal healthcare units.
Recommended Citation
Salman, Tha’er Saleem; Al-Lami, Faris Hasan; and Rhemah, Shalan Joodah
(2016)
"Prevalence of Mental Illnesses among Adults Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Baghdad,"
Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal: Vol. 15:
Iss.
2, Article 52.
Available at:
https://www.ipmj.org/journal/vol15/iss2/52