Community needs in mental health

ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional survey using a probability sample of 6,727 adults, (> 15 years) was conducted in Trinidad and Tobago from November 1994 to April 1995. General and mental well-being (assessed with Goldberg's GHQ 12), socio-economic status, alcohol use, disability and utilization patterns were assessed. There were few demographic differences between the sample and the census population and between males and females. On the GHQ 12, 11.5 percent of males and 14.3 percent of females had a severe problem. These results were comparable to international data published by Goldberg. Seeking help varied with severity. Only 8 per 1,000 of the sample population sought help from a primary care provider. This is much lower than the rates from comparable datasets from the UK and The Netherlands. Persons with emotional problems used significantly more general health care than persons without. Forty-nine per cent of persons with an emotional problem had received a prescription during the past year, indicating contact with the health service. It is concluded that (a) the prevalence of mental health problems in the population is comparable to that in other populations; (b) up to 25 percent of these persons seek help and (c) 49 percent were in a position to receive help as judged by their ability to access a prescription. It would appear that there is scope for training primary care providers in the early identification, basic care and efficient referral of these persons, thus improving the quality of life of approximately 20 percent of the population (AU)