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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Review

Mental health needs and services in the West Bank, Palestine

Authors: Mohammad Marie, Ben Hannigan, Aled Jones

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Palestine is a low income country with scarce resources, which is seeking independence. This paper discusses the high levels of mental health need found amongst Palestinian people, and examines services, education and research in this area with particular attention paid to the West Bank.

Methods

CINAHL, PubMed, and Science Direct were used to search for materials.

Results and conclusion

Evidence from this review is that there is a necessity to increase the availability and quality of mental health care. Mental health policy and services in Palestine need development in order to better meet the needs of service users and professionals. It is essential to raise awareness of mental health and increase the integration of mental health services with other areas of health care. Civilians need their basic human needs met, including having freedom of movement and seeing an end to the occupation. There is a need to enhance the resilience and capacity of community mental health teams. There is a need to increase resources and offer more support, up-to-date training and supervision to mental health teams.
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Metadata
Title
Mental health needs and services in the West Bank, Palestine
Authors
Mohammad Marie
Ben Hannigan
Aled Jones
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-016-0056-8

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