Title: Help-seeking behaviour of patients attending outpatient of state mental health hospital
Authors: Abhilaksh Kango, Anukriti Singh
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v9i6.15
Abstract
Aim: To study the help-seeking behaviour of patients attending outpatient of HHMH & R, Shimla.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observation was done on patients attending outpatient in our hospital to analyse the help seeking patterns of care used by them. Information related to sociodemographic features, clinical characteristics was collected and subjected to a semi-structured interview schedule after informed consent.
Results: Traditional faith healers were first choice in 23 (32.4%) followed by physician, alternative medicine. Only few patients (1.4%) opted to visit psychiatrist as first choice. Main reasons to visit various facilities first were due to easy accessibility (26.8%) and main reason to visit us was lack of response (43.7%).
Conclusion: Mentally ill Patients look for help due to multiple reasons from psychiatrists, general physicians, faith healers and alternative medicine. It is cardinal to educate various general physicians which will help in early detection and proper treatment of mental health issues.
Keywords: Himachal Hospital of Mental Health and Rehabilitation (HHMH&R).
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