TY - JOUR
T1 - Integration of mental health into primary healthcare
T2 - Perceptions of stakeholders in Pakistan
AU - Hussain, Syed S.
AU - Khan, Murad
AU - Gul, Raisa
AU - Asad, Nargis
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© World Health Organization (WHO) 2018.
PY - 2018/2
Y1 - 2018/2
N2 - Background: In Pakistan, there is high prevalence of mental health disorders, but mental health services to address these are not well developed. To provide effective mental health services, the World Health Organization emphasizes the integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the views of key stakeholders about integration of mental health into PHC in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted between June and September 2013 among 15 decision-making (from the Department of Health) and implementation-level stakeholders (mental health and public health professionals and primary care staff) from both the public and private sectors. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved and conventional content analysis was carried out. Results: Although there was general support among all the stakeholders for integration of mental health services within PHC, there were also a number of reservations. First was the perceived lack of support within the system in terms of resource allocation and acceptance from the community. Second was the lack of human resources in the field of mental health. In addition, resistance at the PHC level is likely as staff are already burdened with other preventive care services. Conclusions: The study suggests that strong political commitment, adequate human and financial resources, and strong advocacy are needed for the integration of mental health into PHC in Pakistan.
AB - Background: In Pakistan, there is high prevalence of mental health disorders, but mental health services to address these are not well developed. To provide effective mental health services, the World Health Organization emphasizes the integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC). Objectives: This study aimed to assess the views of key stakeholders about integration of mental health into PHC in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted between June and September 2013 among 15 decision-making (from the Department of Health) and implementation-level stakeholders (mental health and public health professionals and primary care staff) from both the public and private sectors. Face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were collected until theoretical saturation was achieved and conventional content analysis was carried out. Results: Although there was general support among all the stakeholders for integration of mental health services within PHC, there were also a number of reservations. First was the perceived lack of support within the system in terms of resource allocation and acceptance from the community. Second was the lack of human resources in the field of mental health. In addition, resistance at the PHC level is likely as staff are already burdened with other preventive care services. Conclusions: The study suggests that strong political commitment, adequate human and financial resources, and strong advocacy are needed for the integration of mental health into PHC in Pakistan.
KW - Mental health in Pakistan
KW - Mental health in primary care
KW - Mental health integration
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85046711679&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.26719/2018.24.2.146
DO - 10.26719/2018.24.2.146
M3 - Article
C2 - 29748943
AN - SCOPUS:85046711679
SN - 1020-3397
VL - 24
SP - 146
EP - 153
JO - Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
JF - Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal
IS - 2
ER -