Socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients attending a mental health camp: A study from Kanchanpur district of western Nepal

Abstract

Background: Mental health is an ignored area of general health care system despite the magnitude of problem and financial burden on families and whole country. In our country, psychiatric services are out of reach to majority of population because of inadequate mental health professionals, lack of awareness and lack of proper mental health policy. This study is conducted with the objective to know socio-demographic and diagnostic profile of patients from a mental health check up camp conducted at Belauri, Kanchanpur district from far western region of Nepal. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive study, comprised of all consecutive participants i.e. 128 patients attending Maryknoll mental health check up camp at Belauri town of Kanchanpur district, Nepal. The Study was performed in March 2013. Socio-demographic data and clinical diagnosis based on International Classification of Disease- 10 diagnostic research criteria were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 128 subjects studied, highest number of participants (35.94%) belonged to age group 21- 30 yrs followed by age group 11-20 yrs (18.75%) and age group 31-40 yrs (16.40%). The most common psychiatric morbidity was found to be Neurotic, stress related & somatoform disorders (23.45%) followed by mood disorder in 24 (18.75%) patients and Headache (Migraine & Tension type) in 18 (14.07%) patients. Conclusion: The commonest age group affected with mental illness is younger age groups and Neurotic, stress related & somatoform disorders are the most common psychiatric morbidity followed by mood disorders. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v2i2.9724 J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol.2, No.2, 2013 35-38