Barriers and enablers to access and utilization of mental health care services across Southeast Asia: A preliminary scoping review

Andary, Sleiman; Bassani, Jason; Burrell, Gus; Cole, Eliza; Evans, Rhiannon; Redman, Emily; Kumar, Saravana

doi:10.1111/appy.12549

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 47 publications

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“…This is inconsistent with previous literature and thus contributes strength to the study [ 34 , 35 ]. Furthermore, participants reached a consensus on the challenges related to transportation, trust issues with service, and overburdened facilities, particularly in public-provided MHCs, as reported in previous studies [ 34 , 36 , 37 ]. Overall, the providers and users regarded the referrals from other health providers and informal recommendations as chief facilitators.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Barriers and facilitators to accessing adolescents’ mental health services in Karachi: users and providers perspectives

Mubeen,

Fatmi,

Hameed

et al. 2024

BMC Health Serv Res

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Introduction Adolescents’ Mental Healthcare (MHC) is influenced by numerous factors, and adolescents occasionally seek professional help for mental health (MH) issues. These factors become more complex within low-middle-income countries (LMICs); therefore, this study aims to understand barriers and facilitators to access mental health services among adolescents aged 10 to 19 years old from the perspective of users (parents) and providers (Mental Healthcare Providers - MHPs). Method Using a qualitative exploratory design, a semi-structured interview guide was developed using Andersen’s health service utilization model. In-depth interviews were conducted with MHPs (n = 21) and parents of adolescents (n = 19) in the psychiatry department of public and private hospitals in Karachi, from October—December 2021. Data was thematically analyzed using an inductive approach. Result The findings revealed a consensus of users and providers in all three categories of the Andersen model and referred the compulsion as the major driving force to MHC access and utilization rather than personal choices. Within pre-disposing, need, and enabling factors; the participants highlighted a unique perspective; users regarded frequent migration, daily wage loss, and women’s societal status as barriers while the need for marriage and patient willingness were stated as facilitators. Whereas, MHPs indicated societal tolerance, the burden on the health system, and the absence of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) services as major gaps in service delivery. Conclusion Service utilization is mainly facilitated by the severity of illness rather than healthy choices and beliefs, and accessibility and affordability. It is therefore imperative to prioritize adolescent MH through promotion and prevention approaches and address service delivery gaps to prevent treatment delays via task-shifting and capacity building of the health workforce.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Barriers and facilitators to accessing adolescents’ mental health services in Karachi: users and providers perspectives

Mubeen,

Fatmi,

Hameed

et al. 2024

BMC Health Serv Res

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Harnessing AI as an enabler for access to mental health care services

Rukadikar,

Khandelwal

2024

Asia-Pacific Psychiatry

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To the Editor, The journal article by Andary et al. (2023) outlines several barriers people seeking mental health support must overcome. These barriers include cultural beliefs, stigma, low health literacy, internalized reasons, lack of training, poor service quality, and unequal access to healthcare. It also highlights some enablers, such as social support, outreach services, and self-awareness. Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance mental healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment, and enhancing outcomes, making it more efficient, affordable, and accessible (Warrier et al., 2023). Further, AI can overcome geographical restrictions, improving the accessibility of mental health care while reducing costs and stigma. It is critical to explore how AI can change access to mental health care as technology develops.

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Mental health professionals and key stakeholder views on the treatment and support needs of trauma and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in South Asia

Talwar,

Stefanidou,

Kennerley

et al. 2024

PLOS Ment Health

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People who have experienced trauma, especially adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at risk of experiencing subsequent emotional and mental health difficulties. South Asian countries have high prevalence rates of CSA and other forms of complex trauma. Despite the requirement for mental health support for trauma survivors in South Asia, their needs are poorly understood, and specific interventions are still in their infancy. We aimed to explore the views of mental health professionals and key stakeholders on the mental health and support needs of trauma survivors, especially CSA survivors in South Asia and the treatment and support available. We interviewed mental health professionals and key stakeholders from six countries in South Asia who had experience working with trauma survivors. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. We interviewed 17 professionals and key stakeholders working in Afghanistan (n = 1), Bangladesh (n = 2), India (n = 8), Nepal (n = 2), Pakistan (n = 2) and Sri Lanka (n = 2). Four main themes were developed: mental health symptoms as the tip of the iceberg; a pragmatic approach to treatment and services; systemic factors are roadblocks to trauma services; cultural beliefs and practices across communities. We found that the participants view survivors’ difficulties as a combination of mental health problems and relationship difficulties, often dominating the mass of trauma. Despite systemic barriers, they extended their services to the survivors to make them as applicable as possible to the clients’ needs. For this, they considered the clients’ context. Overall, these professionals in South Asia acknowledged that the treatment and support that should be provided to trauma survivors, specifically adult CSA survivors, have not yet been formally established in South Asian contexts. Future research is needed to inform guidance for specific communities in the South Asian context.

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Barriers and enablers to access and utilization of mental health care services across Southeast Asia: A preliminary scoping review

Cited by 5 publications

References 47 publications

Barriers and facilitators to accessing adolescents’ mental health services in Karachi: users and providers perspectives

Barriers and facilitators to accessing adolescents’ mental health services in Karachi: users and providers perspectives

Harnessing AI as an enabler for access to mental health care services

Mental health professionals and key stakeholder views on the treatment and support needs of trauma and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in South Asia

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