Abstract
BackgroundMental health care in post-conflict settings is often not prioritized, despite its important public health role. There is a salient gap in integrating mental health into primary care, especially in post-conflict settings. In the post-conflict Northern province of Sri Lanka, a pilot study was conducted to explore the feasibility of integrating mental health into primary care through a mhGAP-based training intervention.MethodsUsing the mhGAP training intervention modules, a 24 h training programme was held over 3 days for primary care practitioners serving post-conflict populations (including internally displaced people and returnees). mhGAP intervention guide and video material was used in the training. Pre/post knowledge increase was measured. A qualitative study was also nested within the training programme to explore views, attitudes and perceptions of primary care practitioners on integrating mental health into primary care in the region. In-depth interviews were conducted.ResultsTwelve primary care practitioners participated. The average service duration of the group was 7.6 years. The mean pre- and post-test scores of the PCP group were 72.8 and 77.2 % respectively. All 12 took part in the qualitative component. Participants highlighted their experiences of conflict and displacement, discussed the health profiles/needs of post-conflict populations in the region and provided insight into mental health care and training needs at primary care level. Participants also provided feedback on the mhGAP-based training; the cultural and contextual relevance of training material and content.ConclusionThis study was planned as a local demonstrative project to explore the feasibility of training primary care practitioners to promote the integration of mental health into primary care for post-conflict populations. To our knowledge, this is the first such attempt in Sri Lanka. Findings highlight the practical, operational and attitudinal barriers to integrate mental health into primary care, especially in resource-poor, post-conflict settings. Important feedback on mhGAP intervention guide, its implementation and training material was gained.
Highlights
Mental health care in post-conflict settings is often not prioritized, despite its important public health role
Mental health care is often given a secondary priority in post-conflict settings, where resources are usually allocated for more immediate health concerns despite the clear evidence available about increased mental disorder burden amongst post-conflict populations [1]
We report findings from a pilot, feasibility study conducted in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, with the main aim of integrating mental health into primary care through a training intervention for Primary care practitioners (PCP) providing services to post-conflict populations [3]
Summary
Mental health care in post-conflict settings is often not prioritized, despite its important public health role. The existing approach to providing mental health care to the conflict-affected population in Sri Lanka is through limited numbers of Medical Officers of Mental Health (numbering 1 MOMH to 30 villages or more) and mental health units at regional hospitals and a psychiatric unit at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital [11]. These resources are insufficient to meet the population needs, especially due to the severity of trauma, difficulties experienced in displacement and return migration. The need for human resources is the least being met, as the rate of capacity building and training new cadres are significantly below that of the growing need in the region
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
