Title:
Health Seeking Behavior of People Who Experience Mental Illness in Nepal
Authors:
Pandey, Manju
Year:
2014
PAGE:
xi, 55
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Health Seeking, Mental Health, Mental Illness, Nepal
Abstract:
Background: Nepal formulated a Mental Health policy in 1996. People who suffer from mental illness still lack access to quality mental health care in their own community and are at risk of being stigmatized. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore factors determining health seeking behavior of people with mental illness and give recommendations to health authorities to develop quality mental health services. Study Methods: A literature review is carried out from published and unpublished articles. The conceptual framework for the study is adapted from Andersen‟s Behavioral Model, which looks at various socio-cultural factors related to behavior during illness and the search for appropriate care. Findings: The determinants for health seeking behavior are interconnected. Different socio-cultural factors, a weak health care system, an unsupportive environment and gender influence people‟s choices when seeking help. Lack of felt need and lack of access and availability of mental health services are serious barriers for people with mental illness, leading to further deterioration of mental health. Conclusion: Although a mental health policy is in place for 15 years, the government is unable to provide affordable mental health services of good quality. An optimal mix of mental health services from primary to tertiary level to bridge gaps between need and available services is essential. Recommendation: Integrating mental health services into Primary Health System, improving skills of health workers to diagnose, treat and refer patients with mental illness will create the much needed mental health services.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Nepal, Federal Democratic Republic of
Region:
South Asia
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2014 Pandey
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
6CsawbJHGY_20161025122132924.pdf