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BMC Health Services Research

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Barriers to mental health service utilisation in Sudan - perspectives of carers and psychiatrists

Authors: Sara H. Ali, Vincent I. O. Agyapong

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

In order to scale up mental health care nationally, barriers to health services utilisation need to be identified and addressed.

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify barriers to mental health services utilization in Sudan from the perspectives of carer’s of mentally ill patients and psychiatrists and to make recommendations to address the identified barriers.

Methods

Mixed research methods were used in this cross sectional survey. The quantitative part was conducted with carers of mentally ill patients who were staying in Tijani Elmahi psychiatric hospital in Sudan, and the qualitative part was conducted with the psychiatric consultants in the country.

Results

103 carers and six psychiatric consultants participated in the study. According to carers, the main barriers to utilisation of mental health services includes: the beliefs around mental illness, resorting to alternative treatments such as religious and traditional healers, centralization of mental health services, inadequate number of mental health staff, and mental health not being a priority by policy makers. In addition to these barriers, the psychiatric consultants identified stigma, cost of medications, and worries about medication’s side effects as barriers to the utilisation of mental health services. The carers and psychiatrists proposed several solutions to address the barriers to health services utilisation.

Conclusion

Carers and psychiatrists are aware of the barriers to mental health services utilisation in Sudan. Addressing these barriers require a health policy and political response.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Barriers to mental health service utilisation in Sudan - perspectives of carers and psychiatrists
Authors: Sara H. Ali
Vincent I. O. Agyapong
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1280-2

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Barriers to mental health service utilisation in Sudan - perspectives of carers and psychiatrists

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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