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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Care | Research

Health system constraints in integrating mental health services into primary healthcare in rural Uganda: perspectives of primary care providers

Authors: Edith K. Wakida, Elialilia S. Okello, Godfrey Z. Rukundo, Dickens Akena, Paul E. Alele, Zohray M. Talib, Celestino Obua

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

The World Health Organization issued recommendations to guide the process of integrating mental health services into primary healthcare. However, there has been general as well as context specific shortcomings in the implementation of these recommendations. In Uganda, mental health services are intended to be decentralized and integrated into general healthcare, but, the services are still underutilized especially in rural areas.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the health systems constraints to the integration of mental health services into PHC in Uganda from the perspective of primary health care providers (PHCPs).

Methods

This was a cross sectional qualitative study guided by the Supporting the Use of Research Evidence (SURE) framework. We used a semi-structured interview guide to gain insight into the health systems constraints faced by PHCPs in integrating mental health services into PHC.

Results

Key health systems constraints to integrating mental health services into PHC identified included inadequate practical experience during training, patient flow processes, facilities, human resources, gender related factors and challenges with accessibility of care.

Conclusion

There is need to strengthen the training of healthcare providers as well as improving the health care system that supports health workers. This would include periodic mental healthcare in-service training for PHCPs; the provision of adequate processes for outreach, and receiving, referring and transferring patients with mental health problems; empowering PHCPs at all levels to manage and treat mental health problems and adequately provide the necessary medical supplies; and increase the distribution of health workers across the health facilities to address the issue of high workload and compromised quality of care provided.
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Metadata
Title
Health system constraints in integrating mental health services into primary healthcare in rural Uganda: perspectives of primary care providers
Authors
Edith K. Wakida
Elialilia S. Okello
Godfrey Z. Rukundo
Dickens Akena
Paul E. Alele
Zohray M. Talib
Celestino Obua
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
Care
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-019-0272-0

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