The time is now: missed opportunities to address patient needs in community clinics in Cape Town, South Africa.

Journal: Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH

Volume: 15

Issue: 10

Year of Publication: 2010

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

To investigate the prevalence and correlates of missed opportunities for addressing reproductive and mental health needs during patients' visits to primary healthcare facilities.We selected a random sample of participants from 14 of the 49 clinics in Cape Town's public health sector using stratified, cluster random sampling (n = 2618). Participants were screened to identify those at risk for unsafe sexual behaviour and a mental disorder (specifically substance use, depression, anxiety, and suicide). Information pertaining to whether or not respondents were asked about these issues during clinic visits during the previous year was elicited. The rates and correlates of missed opportunities for providing reproductive and mental health interventions were calculated.The criteria of a strict definition of a missed opportunity for reproductive or mental health care information were fulfilled by 25% of the sample, while 46% met criteria for a looser definition. After adjusting for the effects of other variables in the model, men and Coloured respondents were more likely to have satisfied the definition of a missed opportunity for an intervention, while having completed high school and having children increased the likelihood of receiving an intervention.Consultations with primary healthcare providers in which these issues are not discussed may represent missed opportunities. Persons presenting for routine care can be counselled, screened and, if required, treated. Interventions are needed at the patient, provider, and community levels to increase the opportunities to provide reproductive and mental health care to patients during routine visits.

Authors & Co-authors:  Sorsdahl Katherine K Flisher Alan J AJ Ward Catherine C Mertens Jennifer J Bresick Graham G Sterling Stacy S Weisner Constance C

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Briggs CJ, Garner P. Strategies for integrating primary health services in middle- and low-income countries at the point of delivery. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2006;2 doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003318.pub2. Art. No. CD003318.
Authors :  7
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2010.02606.x
SSN : 1365-3156
Study Population
Men
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
England