Perceptions of Mexican women regarding barriers in mental Heath Services in primary care

BMC Women's Health

Research Article

Shoshana Berenzon¹  Jorge Galván¹  Nayelhi Saavedra¹  Feliciano Bartolo² 

[1] Epidemiological and Psychosocial Research at the Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz National Institute of Psychiatry, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, C.P.14370, Mexico City, Mexico;Mental Health at the Federal District Public Health Services, Mexico City, Mexico;

关键词: Mental health care services;    Barriers;    Primary care;    Women;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12905-017-0423-x

 received in 2016-02-22, accepted in 2017-08-16,  发布年份 2017

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe recent mental health care reforms in Mexico call for the regular evaluation of the services provided. This involves analyzing the opinions of those who utilize them on a daily basis, particularly women, since they are the main health service users. This study explores the barriers to mental health care perceived by a group of women attending primary care centers.MethodA qualitative methodological approach was chosen. The participants were purposively selected, using the snowball technique. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using the thematic analysis.ResultsThree sets of factors representing barriers to care were identified in the participants’ discourse. The first is linked to systemic barriers such as a lack of familiarity with the way the service operates, and irregularities in the consultations and appointment schedules that are not always geared to women’s needs. The second concerns the social stigma associated with emotional and/or mental disorders and their care while the third involves the characteristics of psychologists and their professional work.ConclusionsIn order to overcome some of the barriers identified, users should be given information on the work of mental health professionals, which would help dispel certain misconceptions and sensitize them to the importance of this type of treatment in achieving overall health. There is also a need to make psychologists aware of the living conditions and socio-cultural context of the women who attend these health facilities.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2017