Determinants of Mental Health Care Access in a Tribal District of Central India: Findings from a Health Camp

Abstract

Objective Mental health care needs of urban, rural, and tribal regions of India are varied and challenging, which require region-specific approaches. A significant treatment gap calls out for a state-wise introspection of existing service delivery models to cater to the specific mental health needs. In Madhya Pradesh, key findings were noted from a camp conducted in one of the tribal districts. To establish patient-centered services, it is important to understand their mental health care needs. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study within a mental health camp was conducted in the east-central tribal district of Madhya Pradesh by using a semi-structured interview. Statistical Analysis Treatment deficit, pathways to care, and treatment barriers were assessed for correlation with demographic and clinical variables and analyzed by using the Chi-square test and logistic regression method using SPSS version 20. Results Among 113 patients who sought help, treatment deficit was 85% with patient factors contributing 76% predominantly affecting the unmarried group of patients. Common mental illnesses (CMIs) outnumbered severe mental illnesses (SMIs) of which anxiety spectrum disorder contributed the most. SMIs still appear to remain undiagnosed till late in the course of illness. Nicotine dependence was higher in males (p < 0.001), and an increase in the dependence pattern was observed with increasing age (p = 0.001). Conclusion Rising awareness and recognition of CMIs as a common mental health concern while under-recognition of SMIs among tribal communities needs further research. Considering attribution of symptoms to unknown factors, treatment barriers revolving around patient factors, and higher nicotine dependence in males, a timely evaluation of a multitargeted intervention to establish the balance in access to mental health care among the tribal population of Madhya Pradesh is warranted.

A study of disability and socio-economic impact of mental morbidities from the state of Madhya Pradesh, India

“…This finding suggests that tobacco use is a rising problem and is supported by earlier studies conducted in urban as well as rural areas of MP. [ 28 ] This study found an interesting association between CMDs and disability among tobacco users. The perceived disability was lower among tobacco users than among tobacco non-users.…”

Indigenous population and major depressive disorder in later life: a study based on the data from Longitudinal Ageing Study in India

“…There are possible explanations for the lower depressive symptoms in the ST population than in the non-ST population. Many studies have reported that tribal populations have a lower level of non-communicable chronic conditions [ 36 ], more physically active lifestyle [ 37 , 38 ], healthy diet and lifestyles [ 39 , 40 ], and belief in spiritual rituals that can play a significant role in healing and wellness [ 41 ]. On the other hand, these behaviors like physical activeness, lesser chronic conditions, healthy diet patterns, active lifestyles, and spiritual orientations have been associated with reduced depressive symptoms [ 42 – 45 ].…”