The CZEch Mental health Study (CZEMS): Study rationale, design, and methods.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The CZEch Mental health Study (CZEMS) was launched to inform the ongoing mental health care reform. This paper describes rationale, methods, and the plan for the future analyses of this project. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey on a representative sample of the general adult noninstitutionalized population of the Czech Republic was conducted. Two-stage sampling was utilized and respondents were interviewed by centrally trained staff using a paper and pencil interviewing. The presence of mental disorders was assessed by The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The study also collected information about disability, self-identification of having a mental illness, medical history, and help-seeking behaviour. RESULTS: This survey had a 75% response rate, and the final sample consisted of 3,306 persons aged from 18 to 96 years (mean age 49 years old, 54% women) that were interviewed in their homes. The final sample is representative for the Czech Republic in terms of age, gender, education, and region. CONCLUSIONS: CZEMS will provide up-to-date evidence about a prevalence of mental disorders in the Czech Republic, associated disability, and treatment gap. This will help informed decision-making about the current mental health care reform and future mental health care development in the Czech Republic.